叫板

• Pinyin: jiào bǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 叫 = 口 (mouth) + 丩 — to call, shout; 板 = 木 (wood) + 反 — board, clapper

Meaning

To challenge; to issue a challenge. To openly confront or compete with someone, often provocatively.

Originally a Beijing opera term where a performer signals the orchestra to start a specific rhythm. Now colloquially means to challenge someone or something, often with a defiant or competitive attitude. Implies a direct, public confrontation.

Examples

1. 这家新开的咖啡店明显是在向星巴克叫板。 This newly opened coffee shop is clearly challenging Starbucks.
2. 他敢跟老板叫板，真是勇气可嘉。 He dares to challenge the boss — quite admirable courage.
3. 年轻一代的设计师正在向传统审美叫板。 The younger generation of designers is challenging traditional aesthetics.

Usage Guide

Context: competition, confrontation, business

Tone: provocative

Do Say

• 你敢跟他叫板？(You dare to challenge him?)
• 这是在向行业龙头叫板。(This is challenging the industry leader.)

Don't Say

• 用'叫板'描述友好的比赛 (Don't use 叫板 for friendly competition — it implies defiance or confrontation; use 比赛 or 切磋 for friendly matches)

Origin & History

From Beijing opera: 叫 (to call) + 板 (wooden clapper beat). Performers would call out to signal a specific rhythmic pattern, hence 'issuing a challenge.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal