Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'regular player' is expressed differently depending on the context: sports teams, games, or regular participants in activities. The most common terms are レギュラー (loanword from English) and 正選手 (formal term for a team member). For regular participants in non-sport activities, 常連 is used.
Referring to a player who is a fixed member of a sports team, as opposed to a substitute.
The most common and natural way to say 'regular player' in sports contexts. It's a loanword from English and widely understood.
彼はサッカー部のレギュラーです。
He is a regular player on the soccer team.
レギュラーに選ばれるために頑張っています。
I'm working hard to be selected as a regular player.
A more formal term for a regular player, often used in official contexts or written language. Literally 'regular player'.
彼はチームの正選手として活躍している。
He is active as a regular player on the team.
Short for 'starting member', used specifically for players who start the game. Common in baseball and soccer.
今日の試合でスタメンに選ばれた。
I was chosen as a starter for today's game.
A slightly longer form of レギュラー, emphasizing 'member'. Less common but still used.
彼はレギュラーメンバーとしてチームに貢献している。
He contributes to the team as a regular member.
Referring to someone who regularly participates in a non-sport activity, such as a game group, class, or social event.
Used for a regular customer, participant, or attendee. Not limited to sports; can be used for regulars at a bar, club, or event.
彼はこのゲーム会の常連です。
He is a regular at this game meetup.
常連のメンバーが集まって、毎週ボードゲームをしている。
The regular members gather and play board games every week.
Can also be used for non-sport regular participants, especially in contexts like TV shows or radio programs.
Referring to someone who plays a game regularly, often in online gaming communities.
Commonly used in online gaming to refer to regular players on a server or in a community.
このサーバーの常連プレイヤーです。
I'm a regular player on this server.
Also used in gaming, but less common than 常連 for describing player frequency.
レギュラー is the everyday term used in conversation and casual writing. 正選手 is more formal and often appears in newspapers or official team announcements. For most learners, レギュラー is sufficient.
彼はレギュラーです。
He is a regular player.
彼は正選手に選ばれた。
He was selected as a regular player (formal).
The literal translation '規則的な選手' (kisokuteki na senshu) is unnatural and not used. Stick to the terms above.
彼はそのラジオ番組のレギュラーです。
He is a regular on that radio program.
彼はうちのチームのレギュラーメンバーだ。
He's a regular member of our team.