力士
rikishi
The English phrase "sumo wrestler" is translated into Japanese as 力士 (rikishi).
The term 力士 is the standard, respectful way to refer to a professional athlete who competes in the traditional Japanese sport of sumo wrestling.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 力 (power/strength) and 士 (warrior/gentleman/samurai).
How do you pronounce it?
rikishi
Did you know?
- A 力士 must live in a communal stable called a heya where they follow a strict hierarchy based on rank.
- The hair of a 力士 is styled in a specific way called chonmage which historically distinguished them from commoners.
- The word 力 for 'power' in 力士 is a pictograph that originally depicted a plow or a strong arm flexing a muscle.
Examples in context
- 力士の横にいると小っちゃく見えるな。You look tiny next to a sumo wrestler.This sentence shows how a person might look small when standing next to a 力士.Tatoeba #11107447 by bunbuku, translation #15930 by Zifre
- あの人は力士ですか？Is that person a sumo wrestler?
- はい、彼は力士です。Yes, he is a sumo wrestler.
- 彼は有名な力士です。Kare wa yuumeina rikishi desu.He is a famous sumo wrestler.
- あの力士はとても強い。Ano rikishi wa totemo tsuyoi.That sumo wrestler is very strong.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a sumo tournament on TV.
- 蓮 Renあの力士、すごい迫力だね。Ano rikishi, sugoi hakuryoku dane.That sumo wrestler has amazing presence.
- 陽葵 Himari本当、力士の体はすごいね。Hontou, rikishi no karada wa sugoine.True, the bodies of sumo wrestlers are amazing.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵は相撲が好き？Himari wa sumo ga suki?Himari, do you like sumo?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、迫力が好きだよ。Un, hakuryoku ga suki dayo.Yes, I love the intensity.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 力士, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
