Translation guide
The English word "challenge" covers several distinct meanings: a difficult task that tests ability, an act of questioning or disputing something, an invitation to compete, and more. Japanese uses different words and phrases for each. This guide breaks them down by intended meaning.
Referring to something that is hard to do but rewarding, often used in personal growth, work, or study contexts.
I'm looking for a new challenge. · Learning Japanese is a real challenge. · The company faces many challenges.
The most direct equivalent for a positive, self-improvement challenge. Often used with する to mean 'take on a challenge'.
新しいことに挑戦するのが好きです。
I like taking on new challenges.
この仕事は私にとって大きな挑戦です。
This job is a big challenge for me.
Refers to a problem, issue, or task to be solved, often in academic, business, or social contexts. More neutral than 挑戦.
環境問題は世界共通の課題です。
Environmental issues are a global challenge.
このプロジェクトの最大の課題は予算不足です。
The biggest challenge of this project is the lack of budget.
A difficult problem or puzzle, often implying something hard to solve or overcome. More literary or formal.
彼は数々の難題を解決してきた。
He has solved many difficult challenges.
Expressing doubt about the truth, legality, or authority of something; to contest or object.
She challenged the court's ruling. · No one challenged his authority. · I challenge that assumption.
An objection or protest, often used in legal or formal settings. Commonly used with を唱える (となえる).
彼はその決定に異議を唱えた。
He challenged the decision.
異議があれば申し出てください。
If you have any objection, please state it.
To raise a question or express doubt about something. More formal and often used in discussions or debates.
専門家はその報告書の正確さに疑問を呈した。
Experts challenged the accuracy of the report.
To raise an objection; similar to 異議を唱える but slightly more literary.
彼は会議で社長の方針に異を唱えた。
He challenged the president's policy at the meeting.
Daring someone to a contest, duel, or game.
I challenge you to a race! · He accepted the challenge. · The knight issued a challenge.
Also used for a competitive challenge, like in sports or games. Often with 状 (じょう) for a written challenge.
彼はチャンピオンに挑戦状を送った。
He sent a challenge to the champion.
次の対戦相手が挑戦してきた。
The next opponent challenged me.
To challenge someone to a match or fight. More direct and often used in competitive contexts.
彼は私にチェスの勝負を挑んできた。
He challenged me to a game of chess.
To challenge someone to a duel. Historical or dramatic.
彼は相手に決闘を申し込んだ。
He challenged his opponent to a duel.
A situation that is mentally or physically demanding, often used in everyday complaints.
Dealing with him is such a challenge. · The hike was a challenge, but we made it.
A common, casual way to say something is a real challenge or ordeal. Literally 'a tough thing'.
子育ては大変なことだ。
Raising kids is a challenge.
毎日の通勤が大変なことです。
The daily commute is a challenge.
Hardship, toil, or difficulty. Emphasizes the struggle aspect.
Idiomatic: 'bone-breaking', meaning very laborious or challenging.
挑戦 (chōsen) implies a positive, voluntary attempt to overcome something for growth. 課題 (kadai) is a neutral term for a problem or task that needs to be addressed, often used in business or academic contexts. If you say 'I need a challenge' meaning personal growth, use 挑戦. If you mean 'the challenge we face is...' as a problem, use 課題.
新しい挑戦を探しています。
I'm looking for a new challenge (personal growth).
現在の課題は人材不足です。
The current challenge is a labor shortage.
English uses 'challenge' very broadly. In Japanese, directly translating it as 挑戦 or 課題 can sound unnatural if the meaning is simply 'difficulty' or 'problem'. Consider rephrasing with 難しい (difficult), 大変 (tough), or 問題 (problem) depending on the nuance.
それは難しい問題だ。
That's a challenging problem.
挑戦するのが好きです。
I enjoy a challenge.
彼女は選挙結果に異議を唱えた。
She challenged the election results.
彼は私にテニスの勝負を挑んできた。
He challenged me to a game of tennis.
The language barrier is a big challenge.
This task is a real challenge.