Translation guide
Refers to the highest level of professional baseball in North America, specifically Major League Baseball (MLB). In Japanese, it is commonly referred to as メジャーリーグ or simply メジャー. This guide covers how to talk about the league itself, its teams, and related concepts.
Referring to Major League Baseball as an organization or competition.
The most common and standard term for Major League Baseball. Used in both formal and casual contexts.
He plays in the Major Leagues.
A common abbreviation of メジャーリーグ, used in casual conversation and sports media.
The number of Japanese players succeeding in the Majors has increased.
Literally 'big league', an older or less common term. Sometimes used in historical contexts or by older generations.
I went to see a Major League game.
Describing a team or player belonging to the Major Leagues.
Use this pattern to say 'a Major League team'.
He signed with a Major League team.
Using 'the Major Leagues' figuratively to mean the highest level in any field.
In figurative contexts, Japanese does not use メジャーリーグ. Instead, use words like 一流 (first-class) or トップレベル (top level).
He's in the major leagues of the business world.
In English, 'the Major Leagues' can be used figuratively to mean the top level of any field. In Japanese, メジャーリーグ only refers to baseball. For figurative use, choose words like 一流 or トップレベル.
He finally made it to the major leagues.
A noun meaning 'Major Leaguer', i.e., a player in the Major Leagues.
He became a Major Leaguer.