土俵
Meanings
sumo ring; wrestling ring
The raised clay ring used in sumo wrestling. Also used metaphorically for a competitive arena or stage.
The sumo wrestler steps onto the ring.
The election campaign has finally found its arena.
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).
We bring that issue to the discussion table.
We need to change the terms of the negotiation.
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.
We stack sandbags to prevent flooding.
Usage patterns
- 土俵に上がるto step into the sumo ring
The wrestler stepped into the ring and bowed.
- 同じ土俵で〈動詞〉to compete/discuss on equal footing
It's hard to compete on equal footing with a big corporation.
- 土俵を積むto stack sandbags (for flood control or fortification)
They stacked sandbags along the riverbank in preparation for flooding.
- 土俵を割るto step out of the ring (lose a sumo match)
He was pushed out of the ring at the end and lost.
- 〈事〉を土俵に乗せるto bring an issue to the table for discussion
We were finally able to bring that issue to the table.
- 土俵を変えるto change the terms or context of a discussion
If the negotiation is going badly, you need to change the terms of discussion.