Translation guide
A professional sumo wrestler. This is a specific Japanese cultural term with no direct English equivalent.
Referring to a person who competes in professional sumo
The standard term for a professional sumo wrestler. Used in all contexts.
彼は有名な力士です。
He is a famous sumo wrestler.
A polite, somewhat colloquial term for a sumo wrestler, often used by fans or in casual conversation.
Refers specifically to a sumo wrestler in the top two divisions (juryo and makuuchi). Not used for lower-ranked wrestlers.
Rikishi are professional sumo wrestlers in Japan. The term is specific to sumo and should not be used for other types of wrestlers. In English, 'sumo wrestler' is the standard translation, but 'rikishi' is sometimes used in sumo-related contexts.
That sumo wrestler is strong, isn't he?
彼は関取に昇進した。
He was promoted to sekitori status.