challenge
N2- Onyomi
- チョウ
- Kunyomi
- いど(む)
- Stroke count
- 9
- JLPT
- N2
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 挑 down and you get 扌 (hand) — a hand reaching in from the left, and beside it 兆 (omen / sign) — a crack forking apart into two curling branches. Picture two cupped hands together, offering something held between them, put 挑 inside it, and let that scene stand for "challenge" — challenge. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 9
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は9画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 9 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
挑戦
chousen
challenge
挑発
chouhatsu
provocation
挑戦する
chousensuru
to do challenge
挑発する
chouhatsusuru
to do provocation
挑発した
chouhatsushita
plain past: did provocation
挑戦した
chousenshita
plain past: did challenge
Example sentences (4)
難しい仕事に挑戦したいです。
むずかしい しごと に ちょうせん したい です。
muzukashii shigoto ni chousen shitai desu.
I want to take on challenging work.
失敗をおそれて挑戦しないほうが、もったいないと思います。
しっぱい を おそれて ちょうせん しない ほう が、もったいない と おもいます。
shippai o osorete chousen shinai hou ga, mottainai to omoimasu.
I think it is more of a waste not to try for fear of failing.
友達の新しい挑戦を応援しています。
ともだち の あたらしい ちょうせん を おうえん しています。
tomodachi no atarashii chousen o ouen shiteimasu.
I am cheering for my friend's new challenge.
伝統を大切にしながら、新しいことにも挑戦しています。
でんとう を たいせつ に しながら、あたらしい こと に も ちょうせん しています。
dentou o taisetsu ni shinagara, atarashii koto ni mo chousen shiteimasu.
While valuing tradition, they are also taking on new challenges.