Japanese word

力士

Pronunciation

Romajirikishi

Meaning

  • nounsumo wrestler

Example

この力士は強いです。ko no riki shi wa tsuyo i de su

This sumo wrestler is strong.

Illustration for 力士 (sumo wrestler)

More examples

その力士は毎朝、厳しい稽古をしています。so no riki shi wa mai asa kibi shi i kei ko o shi te i ma su

That sumo wrestler practices hard every morning.

Core concept

Describes a person recognized as a sumo wrestler within the organized world of sumo, rather than simply anyone who wrestles.

Common phrases

  • 力士になるriki shi ni na ru

    become a sumo wrestler

  • 力士を目指すriki shi o me za su

    aim to become a sumo wrestler

  • 力士として活躍するriki shi to shi te katsu yaku su ru

    excel as a sumo wrestler

Similar words

相撲取りsumōtori: An everyday term for a person who competes in Japanese sumo wrestling.
お相撲さんosumōsan: A polite everyday term for a person who competes in Japanese sumo wrestling.

Definition in Japanese

相撲を取ることを職業とする競技者。sumō o to ru ko to o shoku gyō to su ru kyō gi sha

Word origin

力士 (rikishi) is a compound of 力 (riki, "strength") and 士 (shi, "warrior or person"), and its original sense of a strong person is linked to its sumo meaning.

Usage tips

  • The English-speaking wrestling world also knows Rikishi as the ring name of WWE performer Solofa Fatu, while 力士 (rikishi) in sumo means a sumo wrestler.

Word lists with this word