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.
彼はメジャーリーグでプレーしている。
He plays in the Major Leagues.
A common abbreviation of メジャーリーグ, used in casual conversation and sports media.
メジャーで活躍する日本人選手が増えた。
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.
大リーグの試合を観に行った。
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'.
彼はメジャーリーグのチームと契約した。
He signed with a Major League team.
A noun meaning 'Major Leaguer', i.e., a player in the Major Leagues.
彼はメジャーリーガーになった。
He became a Major Leaguer.
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).
彼はビジネスの世界で一流だ。
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.
彼はついに一流の仲間入りをした。
He finally made it to the major leagues.