お相撲すもうさん

お

す

も

う

さ

ん

Meanings

1

noun

sumo wrestler

familiar language

Polite and friendly term for a sumo wrestler, often used by fans or when addressing wrestlers directly. The prefix お adds a respectful, familiar tone.

あのお相撲すもうさんはとても強つよいですね。

That sumo wrestler is really strong, isn't he?

お相撲すもうさんにサインをもらいました。

I got an autograph from a sumo wrestler.

Kanji

相inter-, mutual, together
撲slap, strike, hit

Related words

力りき士し
力士 is the formal term for a sumo wrestler, used in official contexts and news reports. お相撲さん is a warmer, more familiar way to refer to wrestlers, especially in casual conversation.
相撲すもう取とり
相撲取り is a traditional, somewhat old-fashioned term for a sumo wrestler. お相撲さん is more modern and carries a friendly, respectful nuance.

Politeness

相撲すもう取とりplain
お相撲さん is a friendly, casual way fans and children refer to a sumo wrestler, while 相撲取り is the plain, neutral term.

Etymology

Derived from 相撲 (sumo) with the polite prefix お and the honorific suffix さん, literally 'Mr./Ms. Sumo'. The exact historical origin of this specific form is uncertain, but it reflects a common pattern of adding お～さん to show respect and familiarity.