アマチュア
あまちゅあ
noun
amateur
1.
amateur, non-professional
Someone who does something as a hobby or without professional training, as opposed to a professional.
アマチュアの写真家です。
I'm an amateur photographer.
アマチュアとは思えないほど上手だった。
They were so good you wouldn't think they were an amateur.
この大会はプロもアマチュアも参加できる。
Both professionals and amateurs can participate in this tournament.
From English 'amateur.' Refers to someone who does something as a hobby rather than professionally.
ABBREVIATION:
Often shortened to アマ in casual speech (e.g., アマの選手, プロアマ戦).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- アマチュア選手: amateur athlete
- アマチュア無線: amateur radio (ham radio)
- アマチュアバンド: amateur band
- プロとアマチュアの差: the gap between pros and amateurs
CONTRAST:
- プロ / プロフェッショナル: professional
- 素人: layperson, novice (can sound dismissive; アマチュア is more neutral/respectful)
USAGE:
アマチュア is neutral and can even carry a positive nuance of passionate dedication. 素人 often implies lack of skill.