Translation guide
A professional athlete who competes in sumo, a traditional Japanese wrestling sport. The most common and respectful term is 力士, but other terms exist depending on context, rank, or formality.
Referring to a sumo wrestler in general, especially in formal or respectful contexts.
How to call or address a sumo wrestler in person, depending on familiarity and politeness.
The most common and respectful way to address a sumo wrestler directly is by their ring name (shikona) followed by the honorific suffix 関 (ぜき). This is polite and standard among fans and peers.
白鵬関、写真を撮ってもいいですか？
Hakuho-zeki, may I take a photo?
If you don't know the wrestler's name, you can politely address them as お相撲さん. This is friendly and respectful.
力士 is the most formal and respectful term, used in media and official contexts. お相撲さん is polite but warmer, often used by fans or when speaking to a wrestler directly. 相撲取り is more casual and can sound old-fashioned or slightly derogatory if used inappropriately; it's better to avoid it unless you're familiar with the nuance.
Do not translate 'sumo wrestler' literally as 相撲レスラー or 相撲選手. These are not natural Japanese and may cause confusion. Stick to the terms above.
He is a famous sumo wrestler.
A polite, somewhat friendly term used by the general public, especially when addressing or referring to wrestlers casually. Often used by fans or in everyday conversation.
お相撲さんにサインをもらいました。
I got an autograph from a sumo wrestler.
A more traditional or colloquial term, literally 'sumo taker'. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or rough, but still commonly understood.
あの相撲取りは強いね。
That sumo wrestler is strong, isn't he?
Specifically refers to a sumo wrestler in the top two divisions (juryo and makuuchi). Not a general term; use only when referring to higher-ranked wrestlers.
関取になると給料がもらえます。
When you become a sekitori, you receive a salary.
お相撲さん、がんばってください！
Mr. Sumo Wrestler, do your best!