力士(りきし)

りきし
noun
sumo wrestler
occupation
1. sumo wrestler
A professional sumo wrestler. Literally 'strong man' or 'man of power.' Used specifically for those competing in professional sumo.
力士(りきし)に会(あ)った。
I met a sumo wrestler.
力士(りきし)は毎日(まいにち)稽古(けいこ)する。
Sumo wrestlers practice every day.
あの力士(りきし)は横綱(よこづな)を目指(めざ)している。
That sumo wrestler is aiming to become a yokozuna (grand champion).

力士(りきし) specifically refers to professional sumo wrestlers — those registered with the Japan Sumo Association (日本(にほん)相撲(すもう)協会(きょうかい)).

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 相撲取(すもうと)り: sumo wrestler (casual, everyday)
  • 関取(せきとり): ranked wrestler (only those in the 十両(じゅうりょう) division or above)
  • お相撲(すもう)さん: sumo wrestler (polite/friendly, often used by children)

Cultural note

力士(りきし) live and train in communal stables called 部屋(へや) (相撲(すもう)部屋(べや)). The word literally means "strong man" (力(ちから) + 士(し)).

Related Words

Related: 相撲(すもう) (sumo wrestling)
Related: 大相撲(おおずもう) (professional sumo)
Related: 横綱(よこづな) (grand champion)
Compare: 関取(せきとり) (ranked wrestler)
general
Added 2026.2.5 17:37 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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