Japanese word

挑む

Pronunciation

Romajiidomu

Meaning

  • verbchallenge

Example

彼は強い相手に挑みます。kare wa tsuyo i ai te ni ido mi ma su

He challenges a strong opponent.

Illustration for 挑む (challenge)

More examples

失敗を恐れず、彼女は難しい仕事に挑みました。ship pai o oso re zu kano jo wa muzuka shi i shi goto ni ido mi ma shi ta

Without fearing failure, she took on a difficult task.

Core concept

It presents a strong opponent or difficult goal as something to face directly and test oneself against.

Common phrases

  • 優勝に挑むyū shō ni ido mu

    challenge for the championship

  • 限界に挑むgen kai ni ido mu

    challenge one's limits

  • 課題に挑むka dai ni ido mu

    tackle a task

Similar words

挑戦するchōsensuru: To take on a difficult task or goal and try to achieve it.
立ち向かうtachimukau: To face an opponent or difficulty directly without avoiding it.
競うkisou: To try to surpass others in ability, performance, or results.

Definition in Japanese

強い相手や難しい事柄に立ち向かい、勝負をしかける。tsuyo i ai te ya muzuka shi i koto gara ni ta chi mu ka i shō bu o shi ka ke ru

Word origin

挑む (idomu) is a native Japanese verb of uncertain older formation, written with 挑 (chō, "challenge") to reflect its meaning.

Usage tips

  • English challenge can mean questioning a claim, but 挑む (idomu) normally describes taking on an opponent, contest, or difficult task.

Other meanings

  • contend for ___verb

Opposites

Word lists with this word