Translation guide
A person who participates in the sport of wrestling. In Japanese, the term depends on the style of wrestling. The most common and culturally significant type is sumo wrestling, so the default word refers to a sumo wrestler. For other styles like professional wrestling or Olympic wrestling, different terms are used.
sumo wrestler
professional wrestler (entertainment)
Olympic/amateur wrestler
A person who competes in sumo, the traditional Japanese wrestling sport.
The standard term for a professional sumo wrestler. Used in formal and general contexts.
He is a famous sumo wrestler.
A polite and friendly way to refer to a sumo wrestler. Often used by fans or in casual conversation.
Refers specifically to a sumo wrestler in the top two divisions (juryo and makuuchi). Not used for lower-ranked wrestlers.
A performer in scripted professional wrestling, like WWE or Japanese puroresu.
An athlete who competes in Olympic-style wrestling (Greco-Roman or freestyle).
The standard term for an amateur or Olympic wrestler. Combines 'wrestling' (レスリング) with 'athlete' (選手).
A participant in non-sumo traditional Japanese wrestling, such as judo or jujitsu, though these are usually specified by the martial art name.
For judo, say 柔道選手 (じゅうどうせんしゅ) or 柔道家 (じゅうどうか). For jujitsu, 柔術家 (じゅうじゅつか). Generic 'wrestler' is not used for these.
力士 specifically means a sumo wrestler. Using it for a professional wrestler or Olympic wrestler would be incorrect and confusing. Use プロレスラー or レスリング選手 instead.
力士 is the neutral, standard term. お相撲さん is more affectionate and often used by fans or when speaking politely. It can sound a bit old-fashioned or endearing.
That sumo wrestler is strong, isn't he?
彼は若くして関取になりました。
He became a sekitori at a young age.
The standard term for a professional wrestler in the entertainment industry. A loanword from English.
His dream is to become a professional wrestler.
Shortened form of プロレスラー, commonly used in casual contexts.
That wrestler has flashy moves.
She is aiming for the Olympics as a wrestler.
Direct loanword for 'amateur wrestler'. Less common than レスリング選手.
He turned pro from being an amateur wrestler.
He is a judo practitioner (judoka).