ナイン
Meanings
1
nine; the number nine
Katakana form for the numeral “nine,” often appearing where an English-style number word is used, such as in card ranks, sports numbers, names, or titles. In ordinary counting, 九 or きゅう is usually more basic.
I played the nine of hearts in the card game.
2
baseball team; players on a team
Baseball use referring to a team or its players as a group, especially in sports-reporting style. It comes from the idea of the nine players on the field.
The local team appeared at Koshien.
The championship-winning players tossed their manager into the air.
Usage patterns
- 先発ナインstarting lineup (the nine players who start the game)
The manager announced today's starting lineup.
- 〈場所〉のナインthe team (nine players) representing a school or place
My old school's team made it to Koshien.
- 相手ナインthe opposing team
They completely shut down the opposing team.