noun
first challenge; first try; first attempt
Used when someone tries a difficult activity, task, competition, or role for the first time; often appears as 〜への初挑戦 or 初挑戦だった.
彼にとって海外マラソンは初挑戦だった。
For him, an overseas marathon was a first challenge.
この作品は、監督の時代劇への初挑戦です。
This work is the director's first attempt at a period drama.
Means a first experience more broadly; 初挑戦 implies actively taking on a task or challenge.
Means a first appearance or participation in a competition or event; 初挑戦 is broader and can refer to any first try.
A transparent Sino-Japanese compound: 初 means 'first' and 挑戦 means 'challenge' or 'attempt.'