noun
sumo ring; wrestling ring
The raised clay ring used in sumo wrestling. Also used metaphorically for a competitive arena or stage.
力士が土俵に上がる。
The sumo wrestler steps onto the ring.
選挙戦もいよいよ土俵が決まっ
The election campaign has finally found its arena.
noun
forum; discussion platform
Figurative use: a place or opportunity for debate, negotiation, or competition. Often used in phrases like 土俵に乗せる (to bring to the table) or 土俵を変える (to change the terms of discussion).
その問題を議論の土俵に乗せる。
We bring that issue to the discussion table.
交渉の土俵を変える必要がある。
We need to change the terms of the negotiation.
noun
Literal meaning: a bag filled with sand or earth, used for flood control, fortification, or construction. Gabion is a wire-mesh container filled with stones or sand. This sense is less common in everyday conversation.
洪水を防ぐために土俵を積む。
We stack sandbags to prevent flooding.