← Back to Fala2Me

be challenging

[/bi ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/]
verb phrase
ser desafiador / ser desafiante / ser difícil
1. to be difficult or demanding; to require effort or skill to overcome
The new project is be challenging for our team.
O novo projeto é desafiador para nossa equipe.
2. to be stimulating in a way that tests one's abilities
Learning a new language can be challenging but rewarding.
Aprender um novo idioma pode ser desafiador, mas gratificante.
3. to present difficulties or obstacles
The weather conditions will be challenging for the expedition.
As condições climáticas serão desafiadoras para a expedição.
NYC Slang
be a tough nut to crack / be no joke
Synonyms
be difficultbe demandingbe toughbe hardbe arduous
Antonyms
be easybe simplebe effortlessbe straightforward

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser desafiador / ser desafiante
most common usage
Rio de Janeiro
ser complicado / ser difícil
informal alternative
São Paulo
ser desafiador
formal and informal contexts
Portugal
ser exigente / ser desafiante
slightly different emphasis on demanding aspect

Related Idioms & Phrases

a tough row to hoe
an uphill battle
bite off more than you can chew
throw down the gauntlet
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →