挑战 (tiǎozhàn)

挑战 means a challenge, used both as a noun (a difficult test or task) and as a verb (to challenge someone or something), requiring effort and courage to overcome.

Meanings

[noun] a challenge; a difficult test; a daunting task
[verb] to challenge; to confront; to defy

Example Sentences

学习一门新语言是一个很大的挑战。 Xuéxí yī mén xīn yǔyán shì yīgè hěn dà de tiǎozhàn. Learning a new language is a great challenge.

他决定挑战自己，参加马拉松比赛。 Tā juédìng tiǎozhàn zìjǐ, cānjiā mǎlāsōng bǐsài. He decided to challenge himself and participate in a marathon.

面对挑战，我们要有积极的心态。 Miànduì tiǎozhàn, wǒmen yào yǒu jījí de xīntài. When facing challenges, we need to have a positive mindset.

这位年轻选手挑战了卫冕冠军。 Zhè wèi niánqīng xuǎnshǒu tiǎozhànle wèimiǎn guànjūn. This young competitor challenged the defending champion.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
迎接挑战	to meet/embrace a challenge
面临挑战	to face challenges
挑战自我	to challenge oneself
严峻挑战	severe challenges

Usage Notes

挑战 can be used positively (welcoming a challenge) or to describe a serious obstacle. The phrase 迎接挑战 (to embrace/meet a challenge) is very positive in tone. As a verb, 挑战 can take a person or a situation as its object. It is common in motivational, sports, and business contexts.

Memory Hook

挑 means "to pick up/carry" and 战 means "battle." So 挑战 is to pick up a battle: like picking up a gauntlet that has been thrown at your feet.