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.
彼は泳ぐ人です。
He is a swimmer.
あの泳ぐ人は速いですね。
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.
彼女は週末にスイマーとして練習しています。
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.
彼はオリンピックの水泳選手です。
He is an Olympic swimmer.
水泳選手になるために毎日練習しています。
I practice every day to become a competitive swimmer.
More specifically a 'competitive swimmer' emphasizing racing. Often used in formal sports contexts.
競泳選手として国際大会に出場した。
He competed in an international tournament as a competitive swimmer.
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.
彼は熟練した泳ぎ手だ。
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).
彼はプールの監視員です。
He is a pool lifeguard.
海女さんは海に潜って貝を取ります。
The female diver dives into the sea to collect shellfish.
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.
彼女は泳ぎが得意です。
She is a strong swimmer.
Natural Japanese often uses 'good at swimming' rather than a noun 'swimmer'.