1.
ranked sumo wrestler
A sumo wrestler who has reached the top two divisions (makuuchi or juryo). Only sekitori receive a salary and various privileges such as wearing silk mawashi.
関取になるのが夢だ。
My dream is to become a ranked sumo wrestler.
あの力士はやっと関取に昇進した。
That wrestler was finally promoted to the ranked division.
関取になると給料がもらえるし、付き人もつく。
Once you become a ranked wrestler, you receive a salary and have personal attendants.
USAGE:
関取 specifically refers to wrestlers in the top two divisions (幕内 and 十両). Wrestlers below these ranks are simply called 力士 (wrestler) or 取的 (lower-ranked wrestler).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 関取に昇進する (to be promoted to ranked wrestler)
- 関取衆 (the ranked wrestlers collectively)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Only about 70 out of roughly 600 active sumo wrestlers hold 関取 status at any given time. They enjoy privileges including higher pay, private rooms, and the right to wear their hair in the formal 大銀杏 topknot.