Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and natural way to refer to a masseur is マッサージ師 (massāji-shi), a gender-neutral term. The traditional term 按摩 (anma) is also used but can sound old-fashioned or refer specifically to traditional Japanese massage. For male masseurs, 按摩師 (anma-shi) or マッサージ師 are used; for female, 按摩師 or マッサージ師 can be used, though マッサージ師 is more modern and common.
To refer to a person who gives massages professionally, in a modern context.
The most common and neutral term for a masseur/masseuse. It is a compound of 'massage' (マッサージ) and 'master/teacher' (師). Suitable for both men and women.
彼はプロのマッサージ師です。
He is a professional masseur.
マッサージ師の資格を取りました。
I got a qualification as a masseur.
Traditional term for massage or masseur, often associated with Japanese-style massage (anma). Can be used for the person or the practice. May sound old-fashioned or evoke traditional blind masseurs.
祖父は按摩の仕事をしていました。
My grandfather worked as a masseur.
Specifically 'masseur' using the traditional term with 師 (master). More formal than 按摩 alone, but still carries traditional connotations.
彼は有名な按摩師です。
He is a famous masseur.
To specifically refer to a female masseuse.
In modern Japanese, マッサージ師 is gender-neutral and commonly used for both men and women. There is no widely used feminine-specific term like 'masseuse' in English. If gender must be specified, you can add 女性 (woman) before it.
女性のマッサージ師を指名できますか？
Can I request a female masseuse?
Can be used for female masseuses in traditional contexts, but マッサージ師 is more common. To specify female, say 女性の按摩師.
To specifically refer to a male masseur.
Gender-neutral and perfectly fine for men. To specify male, add 男性 (man) before it.
男性のマッサージ師が担当します。
A male masseur will be in charge.
Traditional term, can be used for men. Specify with 男性の按摩師 if needed.
マッサージ師 is the general modern term for a massage therapist. 按摩 refers specifically to traditional Japanese massage (anma) and may imply a blind practitioner in historical contexts. 整体師 (seitai-shi) is a practitioner of seitai, a Japanese bodywork therapy similar to chiropractic or osteopathy, and is not a direct translation of 'masseur'.
整体師はマッサージ師とは異なります。
A seitai practitioner is different from a masseur.
While マッサージする人 (person who massages) is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural and is not used as a job title. Use マッサージ師 instead.
I received treatment from a female masseuse.
I'm looking for a male masseur.