Translation guide
The English word "player" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a person who plays a sport or game, a device for playing media, a person who plays a musical instrument, and a participant in an activity or market. It also includes the slang meaning of a person who dates multiple people.
A person who takes part in a sport or game, especially as a member of a team.
He's a football player. · The players are on the field. · She's the best player on the team.
The most common and general term for a sports player or athlete, especially in competitive contexts. Can be used for professional and amateur athletes.
彼はサッカーの選手です。
He is a soccer player.
彼女はプロのテニス選手だ。
She is a professional tennis player.
A loanword from English, often used in sports contexts, especially when referring to a player's role or style. Can sound slightly more casual or modern than 選手.
彼はチームのキープレーヤーだ。
He is a key player on the team.
A more formal term for a competitor or participant in a sport or contest. Often used in official or written contexts.
すべての競技者はルールを守らなければならない。
All players must follow the rules.
A machine or software that plays audio or video recordings, such as CDs, DVDs, or digital files.
I need a new DVD player. · This app is a great music player. · The record player is vintage.
The standard term for any media playback device or software. Often combined with the media type, e.g., CDプレーヤー, DVDプレーヤー, メディアプレーヤー.
新しいCDプレーヤーを買った。
I bought a new CD player.
このアプリは動画プレーヤーとしても使える。
This app can also be used as a video player.
A more technical term for a playback device. Often used in manuals or specifications.
この再生機はBlu-rayに対応しています。
This player supports Blu-ray.
A person who plays a musical instrument.
She's a talented piano player. · The guitar player started a solo. · We need a bass player for the band.
A suffix meaning 'player of [instrument]'. Attach to the instrument name, e.g., ピアノ奏者 (piano player), ギター奏者 (guitar player). More formal than ～弾き.
彼女はプロのバイオリン奏者です。
She is a professional violin player.
A casual suffix for players of stringed instruments or piano. Attach to instrument name, e.g., ピアノ弾き (piano player), ギター弾き (guitar player). Often used in informal contexts.
彼はすごいギター弾きだね。
He's an amazing guitar player, isn't he?
Also used for musicians, especially in band contexts or when emphasizing the role. E.g., ベースプレーヤー (bass player).
A person or organization involved in a particular activity, field, or market, often implying an active role.
The company is a major player in the tech industry. · We need all the key players at the meeting. · He's a behind-the-scenes player in politics.
Commonly used in business and general contexts to mean a participant or entity with influence. Often modified by adjectives like 主要な (major) or 重要な (important).
その会社は市場の主要なプレーヤーだ。
That company is a major player in the market.
Refers to a person involved or concerned with a matter. Often used for stakeholders or parties in a project or event.
Literally 'actor', but can metaphorically refer to a key player or figure in a situation. Often used in the phrase 一枚役者 (a person of some importance).
A person, typically a man, who has romantic or sexual relationships with multiple partners, often without commitment.
He's such a player; he dates three girls at once. · Don't trust him, he's a known player. · She realized he was just a player.
Refers to a person who plays around, especially in romantic relationships. Implies a lack of seriousness. Can be used for both men and women, but often for men.
彼は遊び人だから、気をつけたほうがいいよ。
He's a player, so you should be careful.
Slang for a flashy, shallow guy who hits on many women. Often implies a player-like attitude. More casual and derogatory.
あのチャラ男には近づかないで。
Stay away from that player.
選手 is the standard, neutral term for an athlete. プレーヤー is often used in compound words (e.g., キープレーヤー) or when emphasizing a role, but can sound slightly more casual or trendy. In formal writing, 選手 is preferred.
Directly translating 'player' as プレーヤー in the dating sense will not be understood. Use 遊び人 or other slang terms instead.
バンドに新しいキーボードプレーヤーが入った。
A new keyboard player joined the band.
プロジェクトの関係者全員が会議に出席した。
All the players in the project attended the meeting.
He is a key player in the political world.
A loanword from English 'playboy', meaning a wealthy, pleasure-seeking man who dates many women. Similar to 'player' but with a connotation of a lavish lifestyle.
彼は有名なプレイボーイだ。
He is a famous player.