1.
amateur, non-professional
Someone who does something as a hobby or without professional training, as opposed to a professional.
Forms
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
Similar words
- 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.