Translation guide
How to refer to a person who plays shogi (Japanese chess), from casual to formal contexts.
The most common, neutral way to say 'shogi player' in Japanese.
Standard term for a shogi player, literally 'shogi pointer'. Used for anyone who plays shogi, from amateurs to professionals.
彼は将棋指しです。
He is a shogi player.
Specifically refers to a professional shogi player, someone who holds a professional rank and competes in official tournaments.
彼はプロの棋士です。
He is a professional shogi player.
Loanword from English, sometimes used in casual or international contexts, but less natural than 将棋指し.
彼は熱心な将棋プレイヤーだ。
He is an enthusiastic shogi player.
Emphasizing that someone plays shogi as a hobby, not professionally.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who plays shogi'. Clear and natural for amateurs.
将棋を指す人が集まるカフェ。
A café where shogi players gather.
Explicitly 'amateur shogi player', using 棋士 loosely. Note that 棋士 alone usually implies professional.
アマチュア棋士の大会が開かれた。
A tournament for amateur shogi players was held.
Specifically a professional, ranked player in the shogi world.
Common term for a professional shogi player. プロ (professional) + 棋士 (shogi player).
彼はプロ棋士を目指している。
He is aiming to become a professional shogi player.
Female professional shogi player. The women's professional system is separate from the main (male-dominated) professional league.
彼女は有名な女流棋士です。
She is a famous female professional shogi player.
Referring to a highly skilled shogi player, often with a title or high rank.
Title for the top professional shogi player, the Meijin. Can also be used more loosely to mean 'master' or 'expert'.
彼は将棋の名人だ。
He is a master of shogi.
A person with a high dan rank (e.g., 5-dan and above). Indicates strong amateur or professional.
高段者の対局は見ごたえがある。
Games between high-ranked players are worth watching.
将棋指し (shōgi-sashi) is the general term for anyone who plays shogi, while 棋士 (kishi) specifically means a professional player. Using 棋士 for an amateur can sound odd or overly formal.
彼は将棋指しだが、棋士ではない。
He is a shogi player, but not a professional.