rikishi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialist/Loanword)Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “rikishi” mean?
A sumo wrestler.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sumo wrestler; a professional athlete in the Japanese sport of sumo.
Refers specifically to the individuals who compete in professional sumo tournaments in Japan, who live a highly regimented life in communal training stables (heya) and follow strict traditions regarding dress, diet, and social hierarchy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage between UK and US English. The term is equally rare and specialist in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of Japanese tradition, discipline, and a specific, unique athletic physique and skill set.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora. Appears almost exclusively in texts about Japanese culture, martial arts, or international sports reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “rikishi” in a Sentence
The [adjective] rikishi [verb] in the tournament.A rikishi [verb] for the [noun] stable.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rikishi” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The young rikishi made his professional debut at the Nagoya tournament.
- Promotion to the rank of yokozuna is the ultimate goal for any rikishi.
American English
- The rikishi from Hawaii has a large fan following.
- After the match, the rikishi performed the traditional leg-stomping ritual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in papers on sports sociology, Japanese studies, or cultural anthropology discussing the institution of sumo.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by enthusiasts of Japanese culture or martial arts.
Technical
Standard term in journalism and commentary covering sumo tournaments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rikishi”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rikishi”
- Misspelling as 'rikashi', 'rikishy'.
- Using it as a general term for any large or strong wrestler (it is specific to sumo).
- Incorrect plural: 'rikishis' (the Japanese plural is the same as singular: rikishi).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is the specific Japanese term used within the sumo world and by commentators. It emphasizes the cultural and professional role within the Japanese system, whereas 'sumo wrestler' is a more general English description.
In English, it is commonly pronounced /ˈrɪkɪʃiː/ (RIK-i-shee) or /ˈrikiˌʃi/ (REE-kee-shee). The Japanese pronunciation is closer to [ɾikʲiɕi].
Typically, no. 'Rikishi' strongly implies a professional who is a member of the Japan Sumo Association, lives in a heya (stable), and competes in the official ranking system (banzuke).
The word is used identically for singular and plural in both Japanese and common English usage (e.g., 'one rikishi', 'many rikishi'). Adding an 's' ('rikishis') is considered a non-standard Anglicization.
A sumo wrestler.
Rikishi is usually formal/technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Ricky' wants to be a SHEe (she) wrestler? No, 'RIKISHI' is a HE, a sumo wrestler. Break it as 'RIKI' (like 'ricky') + 'SHI' (like 'she' but he).
Conceptual Metaphor
A RIKSHAW carries weight → a RIKISHI carries (his own) great weight in the ring.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using the word 'rikishi' in English?