Translation guide
A person who participates in the sport of wrestling. In Japanese, the term depends on the style of wrestling. The most common and culturally significant type is sumo wrestling, so the default word refers to a sumo wrestler. For other styles like professional wrestling or Olympic wrestling, different terms are used.
A person who competes in sumo, the traditional Japanese wrestling sport.
The standard term for a professional sumo wrestler. Used in formal and general contexts.
彼は有名な力士です。
He is a famous sumo wrestler.
A polite and friendly way to refer to a sumo wrestler. Often used by fans or in casual conversation.
あのお相撲さんは強いですね。
That sumo wrestler is strong, isn't he?
Refers specifically to a sumo wrestler in the top two divisions (juryo and makuuchi). Not used for lower-ranked wrestlers.
彼は若くして関取になりました。
He became a sekitori at a young age.
A performer in scripted professional wrestling, like WWE or Japanese puroresu.
The standard term for a professional wrestler in the entertainment industry. A loanword from English.
彼はプロレスラーになるのが夢です。
His dream is to become a professional wrestler.
Shortened form of プロレスラー, commonly used in casual contexts.
An athlete who competes in Olympic-style wrestling (Greco-Roman or freestyle).
The standard term for an amateur or Olympic wrestler. Combines 'wrestling' (レスリング) with 'athlete' (選手).
彼女はレスリング選手としてオリンピックを目指しています。
She is aiming for the Olympics as a wrestler.
Direct loanword for 'amateur wrestler'. Less common than レスリング選手.
彼はアマチュアレスラーからプロに転向した。
He turned pro from being an amateur wrestler.
A participant in non-sumo traditional Japanese wrestling, such as judo or jujitsu, though these are usually specified by the martial art name.
For judo, say 柔道選手 (じゅうどうせんしゅ) or 柔道家 (じゅうどうか). For jujitsu, 柔術家 (じゅうじゅつか). Generic 'wrestler' is not used for these.
彼は柔道家です。
He is a judo practitioner (judoka).
力士 specifically means a sumo wrestler. Using it for a professional wrestler or Olympic wrestler would be incorrect and confusing. Use プロレスラー or レスリング選手 instead.
力士 is the neutral, standard term. お相撲さん is more affectionate and often used by fans or when speaking politely. It can sound a bit old-fashioned or endearing.
あのレスラーは技が派手だ。
That wrestler has flashy moves.