1.
challenging; provocative; defiant
Showing a bold, confrontational, or provocative attitude. Can describe a person's demeanor, gaze, or words that challenge the status quo or provoke a reaction.
彼は挑戦的な態度をとった。
He took a defiant attitude.
挑戦的な目つきで相手をにらんだ。
She glared at her opponent with a provocative look.
記者の挑戦的な質問に、大臣は言葉に詰まった。
The minister was at a loss for words in response to the reporter's provocative question.
2.
ambitious; pushing boundaries
Attempting something difficult or innovative that tests limits. Used positively to describe ambitious projects, experimental works, or bold approaches.
この作品は挑戦的な試みだ。
This work is an ambitious undertaking.
挑戦的なメニューに取り組むレストランが増えている。
More restaurants are taking on innovative menus.
若い監督の挑戦的な演出が話題になっている。
The young director's boundary-pushing direction has become a hot topic.
A na-adjective formed from 挑戦 (challenge) + 的. Has two distinct uses: one negative-leaning (confrontational, provocative attitude) and one positive (ambitious, pushing boundaries).
The confrontational sense is common when describing someone's 態度 (attitude), 目つき (gaze), or 発言 (remarks). The ambitious sense appears frequently in arts, business, and sports contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 挑戦的な態度: defiant attitude
- 挑戦的な姿勢: challenging stance; ambitious posture
- 挑戦的な試み: ambitious attempt
- 挑戦的な作品: boundary-pushing work
- 挑戦的な質問: provocative question
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 挑発的な: provocative — more deliberately antagonizing, often with intent to anger
- 大胆な: bold; daring — focuses on courage without the confrontational nuance
- 革新的な: innovative — emphasizes newness rather than the challenge involved