挑む

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 挑む, read いどむ, means taking on a difficult opponent or challenge.
• Basic usage: Use it for entering a demanding competition or confronting harsh natural conditions.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The target of the challenge
  • The example 全国大会に挑む means taking on a national tournament.
  • The example 自然に挑みながら means while confronting nature. Both mark the target with に.
• Trying and succeeding
  • 試す can mean trying something out, while 挑む emphasizes facing a challenge. Taking on a challenge does not imply success.