プロ

ぷろ
noun, na-adjective
professional, pro
1. professional
A person engaged in a specified activity as a paid occupation rather than as an amateur.
(かれ)はプロの野球(やきゅう)選手(せんしゅ)だ。
He is a professional baseball player.
プロになることを目指(めざ)している。
I'm aiming to become a professional.
彼女(かのじょ)18(じゅうはち)(さい)でプロのダンサーになった。
She became a professional dancer at 18.
2. professional, expert
Having great skill or experience in a particular field.
プロの(わざ)(ちが)う。
Professional skills are different.
さすがプロの仕事(しごと)だ。
That's professional work for you.
料理(りょうり)(うで)がプロ()みだと()われた。
I was told my cooking skill is on a professional level.

プロ is short for プロフェッショナル (professional). Used as both a noun and a な-adjective.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • プロになる: to become a professional
  • プロ野球(やきゅう): professional baseball
  • プロ選手(せんしゅ): professional athlete
  • プロの(わざ): professional skill/technique
  • プロ意識(いしき): professional attitude/mindset
  • プロ()み: at a professional level

CONTRAST:

  • プロ: professional (paid occupation)
  • セミプロ: semi-professional
  • アマチュア: amateur (hobby level)
  • 素人(しろうと): amateur, layperson (can sound dismissive)

USAGE:
さすがプロだ ("As expected of a pro") is a common compliment for skilled work.

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