Translation guide
A person who swims, whether as a sport, hobby, or profession. Japanese has several words for 'swimmer' depending on context, from general terms to specific roles like competitive athletes or lifeguards.
To refer to anyone who swims, regardless of skill or purpose.
Literally 'person who swims'. This is the most direct and neutral way to say 'swimmer' in Japanese. It can be used for anyone who swims, from casual swimmers to professionals.
He is a swimmer.
That swimmer is fast, isn't he?
Loanword from English. Commonly used in sports contexts or when referring to someone who swims as a hobby or exercise. Sounds slightly more modern or casual than 泳ぐ人.
She practices as a swimmer on weekends.
To refer to someone who swims competitively, such as in races or as a sport.
Specifically means 'swimming athlete' or 'competitive swimmer'. Used for people who participate in swimming competitions.
He is an Olympic swimmer.
I practice every day to become a competitive swimmer.
More specifically a 'competitive swimmer' emphasizing racing. Often used in formal sports contexts.
To refer to someone whose job or role involves swimming, such as a lifeguard or rescue swimmer.
An older or literary term for 'swimmer', sometimes used for professional swimmers or in poetic contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
He is a skilled swimmer.
In Japanese, it's more natural to use the specific job title rather than a generic 'swimmer'. For example, a lifeguard is 監視員 (かんしいん) or ライフセーバー, a rescue swimmer is 救助員 (きゅうじょいん), and a pearl diver is 海女 (あま) or 海人 (うみんちゅ).
He is a pool lifeguard.
The English word 'swimmer' can metaphorically refer to someone who is good at navigating a situation (e.g., 'a strong swimmer in politics'). This metaphor does not translate directly into Japanese. Instead, use phrases like やり手 (やりて, go-getter) or したたか者 (したたかもの, shrewd person) depending on context.
She is a strong swimmer.
Natural Japanese often uses 'good at swimming' rather than a noun 'swimmer'.
I'm not a very good swimmer.
Expresses inability rather than using a noun.
He competed in an international tournament as a competitive swimmer.
The female diver dives into the sea to collect shellfish.