How to say "innovative" in Japanese

• 斬新ざんしんCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'innovative' in the sense of strikingly fresh and original. It stresses novelty that breaks with convention, and is a natural fit for designs, ideas, or styles that feel boldly new.
  これはいわゆる斬新ざんしんなアイデアです。↗

  This is what we call a "brand new idea".
• 革新的かくしんてき
  na-adjectiveCovers 'innovative' in the sense of embodying or driving innovation: new methods or technology that change how things are done. It is the less common of the two, so reserve it for this innovation-focused meaning.

Use 斬新 for the 'strikingly fresh and original' sense, as of designs, ideas, or styles, and 革新的 for the 'driving innovation' sense—new methods or technology that change how things are done.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 斬新ざんしんnovel
• 革新的かくしんてきinnovative