Japanese word

選手

Pronunciation

Romajisenshu

Meaning

  • nounplayer

Example

その選手はサッカーが上手です。so no sen shu wa sa kkā ga jō zu de su

That player is good at soccer.

Illustration for 選手 (player)

More examples

私はサッカーの選手です。watashi wa sa kkā no sen shu de su

I am a soccer player.

試合の後で、選手に花束を渡しました。shi ai no ato de sen shu ni hana taba o wata shi ma shi ta

After the game, I gave the player a bouquet.

Core concept

Refers to a person who competes in a sport or other event, either individually or as part of a team.

Common phrases

  • プロの選手pu ro no sen shu

    professional player

  • 選手になるsen shu ni na ru

    become a player

Similar words

競技者kyōgisha: A person who takes part in a competition, especially in a sport.
アスリートasurīto: A person who trains and competes in sports, often at a high level.
プレイヤーpureiyā: A person who takes part in a sport, game, or other competitive activity.

Definition in Japanese

試合や競技会に出場して、相手と技量を競う人。shi ai ya kyō gi kai ni shutsu jō shi te ai te to gi ryō o kiso u hito

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 選手 (senshu) combines 選 (sen, "select") with 手 (shu, "hand or person skilled in an activity"), giving the sense of a chosen competitor.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 選手 (senshu) commonly covers competitors in team sports and individual events, while player in English also often refers to someone in a video game.

Other meanings

  • athletenoun

Word lists with this word