1.
yokozuna; sumo grand champion
The highest rank in professional sumo wrestling. A yokozuna is expected not only to be the strongest wrestler but also to embody dignity and grace.
新横綱が誕生した。
A new yokozuna was born.
横綱は土俵入りで注連縄を腰に巻く。
The yokozuna wears a sacred rope around the waist during the ring-entering ceremony.
連勝が途絶え、横綱としての責任を問う声が上がった。
When the winning streak ended, voices arose questioning his responsibility as yokozuna.
2.
the very best; the top
Used figuratively to describe something or someone that is the undisputed best in their field.
この店はラーメン界の横綱だ。
This shop is the grand champion of the ramen world.
売上では業界の横綱と言われている。
In terms of sales, they are called the champion of the industry.
この温泉は全国の温泉地の中でも横綱級だ。
This hot spring is in the grand-champion class among hot spring resorts nationwide.
The word 横綱 literally means "horizontal rope," referring to the thick sacred rope (注連縄) worn by the champion during ceremonies.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 横綱に昇進する (to be promoted to yokozuna)
- 横綱相撲 (a dominant, champion-worthy performance)
- 横綱の品格 (the dignity of a yokozuna)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Unlike other sumo ranks, a 横綱 cannot be demoted — if performance declines, the only option is retirement (引退). Promotion to 横綱 requires not just winning records but also demonstrating 品格 (dignity) and 力量 (ability).