力士
also: りきじ
Meanings
The primary modern meaning: a professional sumo wrestler. Used in sumo contexts and news.
He is a sumo wrestler in professional sumo.
The sumo wrestlers train hard every day.
strong man; man of great strength
Figurative use comparing someone's strength to that of a sumo wrestler. Not a common standalone meaning; often used in metaphors or set phrases.
He has a physique like a sumo wrestler.
Deva king; guardian deity
Abbreviation of 金剛力士 (kongōrikishi), the two guardian deities often seen at temple gates. Used in Buddhist contexts.
See also: 金剛力士
Two Deva king statues are enshrined at the Nio gate.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が力士になるfor someone to become a sumo wrestler
He became a sumo wrestler right after graduating high school.
- 力士が土俵に上がるfor a sumo wrestler to step onto the ring
Both wrestlers stepped onto the ring, and the match began.
- 力士を応援するto cheer for a sumo wrestler
I cheered for my favorite wrestler in front of the TV.