相撲
sumō[sɨmo̞ː]
The English phrase "sumo wrestling" is translated into Japanese as 相撲 (sumō).
相撲 refers to the traditional Japanese style of wrestling where two opponents attempt to push each other out of a ring.
Which one should you use?
While 相撲 is the standard term for the sport, 大相撲 (Ōzumō) is the formal term. If you want to refer to a specific match or bout, the formal expression 相撲の取り組み (Sumō no torikumi) is used.
How do you pronounce it?
sumō
Did you know?
- While most people say 相撲, the term can also be read as soːboku using its original Sino-Japanese reading.
- The kanji used in 相撲 literally mean 'mutually striking' when interpreted through Middle Chinese.
Examples in context
- 相撲を観戦したことある？Have you ever watched sumo wrestling?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has experience watching 相撲.Tatoeba #12393541 by bunbuku, translation #274157 by CK
- 相撲は日本の伝統的なスポーツです。Sumo wa nihon no dentoteki na supootsu desu.Sumo wrestling is a traditional Japanese sport.
- 相撲の力士はとても強いです。Sumo no rikishi wa totemo tsuyoi desu.Sumo wrestlers are very strong.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about sports at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta今度の休み、相撲の観戦に行かない？Kondo no yasumi, sumo no kansen ni ikanai?Do you want to go watch sumo wrestling this holiday?
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね！ぜひ行きたいです。Ii desu ne! Zehi ikitai desu.That sounds good! I would love to go.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんは相撲に興味があるの？Misaki-san wa sumo ni kyomi ga aru no?Are you interested in sumo wrestling, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、迫力があって大好きです。Hai, hakuryoku ga atte daisuki desu.Yes, I love it because it is so powerful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 相撲, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 相撲, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
