Translation guide
The concept of a championship in English can refer to the competition itself, the title, or the deciding match. Japanese uses different words depending on the nuance.
Referring to a series of games or a tournament to determine a champion.
The most common word for a championship tournament, especially in sports. Often used in official names.
世界選手権が来月開催されます。
The world championship will be held next month.
A more formal or full version of 選手権, explicitly meaning 'championship tournament'.
全国高校野球選手権大会は夏の風物詩です。
The National High School Baseball Championship is a summer tradition.
Loanword from English, used in some sports contexts, especially in professional leagues or borrowed event names.
パシフィック・チャンピオンシップに出場します。
We will participate in the Pacific Championship.
Referring to the position or title of being the champion.
Literally 'throne', used for championship titles in sports like boxing, wrestling, or shogi. Implies a reigning champion.
彼は王座を守り抜いた。
He successfully defended his championship.
Loanword meaning 'champion', often used to refer to the title holder. Can be used in phrases like チャンピオンになる (become champion).
Means 'victory' or 'winning a championship'. Often used as a verb 優勝する (to win the championship).
Referring to the final game or match that determines the champion.
The final match or game of a tournament. Often used in sports.
決勝戦は明日行われます。
The championship game will be held tomorrow.
Literally 'championship deciding match', used when the match directly determines the champion.
この試合が優勝決定戦です。
This match is the championship decider.
選手権 is the standard Japanese word for a championship tournament, while チャンピオンシップ is a loanword often used in specific league names or borrowed event titles. In general, 選手権 is safer and more natural.
世界選手権
World Championship
ナショナルチャンピオンシップ
National Championship
While チャンピオンシップ is understood, it is not the default word. Use 選手権 for tournaments and 優勝 for winning. Overusing the loanword can sound unnatural.
彼は3年連続でチャンピオンだ。
He has been the champion for three consecutive years.
彼女は全米オープンで優勝した。
She won the championship at the US Open.
Used in combat sports or professional wrestling for a championship match.
今夜のタイトルマッチは注目だ。
Tonight's championship match is one to watch.