エース
ēsu[e̞ːsɨ]
The English word 'ace' translates to the Japanese noun エース (ēsu).
エース is a commonly used loanword that directly translates to 'ace' in English and can be used in formal settings. You can also use エース級 to describe someone or something that is 'ace-class' or 'top-tier level'.
Meaning: expert (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
ēsu
Did you know?
- While エース is used for experts, in the context of Japanese baseball, it specifically refers to the team's best starting pitcher. A player might be an 'ace' in their field, but on the diamond, it is a very specific title.
- The term エース can be used to describe the 'ace' of a troupe or group in many pop culture genres, such as anime or idol groups, to denote the most central and popular member.
- While エース is common, Japanese people also use the word 達人 'tatsujin' to describe an expert who has reached a state of spiritual or technical mastery.
Examples in context
- 私にはクラブのエースがあるんだ。I have the ace of clubs.This sentence shows how to use エース in the context of playing cards.Tatoeba #8828734 by bunbuku, translation #2528234 by CK
- 彼はチームのエースです。Kare wa chiimu no eesu desu.He is the ace of the team.
- 彼女はテニスのエースだ。Kanojo wa tenisu no eesu da.She is the tennis ace.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are discussing their sports club.
- 健太 Kenta結衣はテニス部のエースなんだね。Yui wa tenisubu no ēsu nan da ne.Yui, you're the ace of the tennis club, aren't you?
- 結衣 Yuiそんなことないよ。まだまだだよ。Sonna koto nai yo. Madamada da yo.That's not true. I still have a long way to go.
- 健太 Kenta謙遜しないで。みんなそう言ってるよ。Kenson shinaide. Minna sō itteru yo.Don't be modest. Everyone says so.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、健太。Arigatō, Kenta.Thank you, Kenta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ace” translations and entries エース, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
