Japanese word

土俵

Pronunciation

Romajidohyō

Meaning

  • nounsumo ring

Example

力士が土俵に上がります。riki shi ga do hyō ni a ga ri ma su

The wrestler steps into the sumo ring.

Illustration for 土俵 (sumo ring)

More examples

力士たちは土俵の中央で向かい合います。riki shi ta chi wa do hyō no chū ō de mu ka i a i ma su

The wrestlers face each other in the center of the sumo ring.

Core concept

Represents the raised earth platform that defines the space for a sumo contest.

Common phrases

  • 土俵に上がるdo hyō ni a ga ru

    step into the sumo ring

  • 土俵を割るdo hyō o ware ru

    step out of the sumo ring

Definition in Japanese

相撲の取組を行う、土を盛った台。sumō no tori kumi o okona u tsuchi o mo tta dai

Word origin

土俵 (dohyō, "sumo ring") is formed from 土 (do, "earth") and 俵 (hyō, "straw bale"), named for its earthen surface and straw-bale boundary.

Usage tips

  • The English phrase sumo ring can suggest a circular structure, but the 土俵 (dohyō) itself has a square outer platform.

Word lists with this word