A 'senshu' is a formal participant in a sports competition or athletic event.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to an athlete participating in a game or sport.
- Commonly used with specific sports names like baseball or soccer.
- Indicates someone competing formally in a tournament or match.
Overview
- 1概要：『選手』は、スポーツ競技やゲームにおいて、特定のチームや個人として参加し、勝利を目指して戦う人を指します。単なる愛好家ではなく、競技会に参加する資格や意欲を持つ人を指すのが一般的です。2) 使用パターン：名詞として独立して使うほか、「サッカー選手」「野球選手」のように競技名と組み合わせて使われます。また、「選手宣誓」や「選手村」といった複合語としても頻繁に登場します。3) 一般的な文脈：オリンピックやプロスポーツのニュース、学校の運動会、地域のスポーツ大会などで日常的に使われます。特定の競技で高い能力を持つ人に対して尊敬を込めて使われることもあります。4) 類似語との比較：『競技者』はより硬い表現で、ルールに則って競技を行う人全般を指します。一方、『プレイヤー』はスポーツだけでなく、ゲームや音楽演奏など幅広い文脈で使われるカタカナ語です。『選手』は主に身体的なスポーツ競技に特化した日本語として定着しています。
Examples
彼はオリンピックの選手です。
everydayHe is an Olympic athlete.
選手一同、全力を尽くします。
formalAll the athletes will do their best.
どの選手が勝つと思う？
informalWhich athlete do you think will win?
本大会の登録選手名簿を確認してください。
academicPlease check the registered athlete list for this tournament.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
選手宣誓
Athlete's oath
選手交代
Player substitution
選手村
Athletes' village
Often Confused With
Refers more abstractly to anyone competing in a contest, often used in legal or rule-based documents.
A loanword used for sports, music, and gaming; it feels more modern and less formal than 'senshu'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term 'senshu' is neutral to formal. It is the standard term used in news and official sports contexts. When referring to someone with great respect, you may add the suffix '-senshu' after their name.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use 'senshu' for any person playing a game, including casual board games. It is specifically intended for athletic or formal competitive sports. Do not use it for people who are just watching or coaching.
Tips
Combine with sport names
Always pair 'senshu' with the sport name for clarity. For example, 'Yakyu-senshu' (baseball player) is more specific than just 'senshu'.
Not for casual gamers
Avoid using 'senshu' for people playing casual video games at home. It implies a formal competitive context.
The importance of 'Senshu-senshi'
In Japanese sports culture, the 'Senshu-senshi' (oath of the athletes) is a symbolic ritual at the start of major events like the Olympics.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Japanese roots where 'sen' refers to selection or battle, and 'shu' refers to a person or hand. It historically meant someone selected to represent others in a contest.
Cultural Context
In Japan, athletes are often held in high regard. The term 'senshu' carries a sense of discipline and dedication to one's craft.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Sen' (battle) + 'shu' (hand/person). A person who uses their hands/skills in battle (competition).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「選手」は主にスポーツの競技者に対して使われ、少し硬い響きがあります。「プレイヤー」はスポーツだけでなく、ゲームや音楽などより広い範囲で使われ、カジュアルな印象を与えます。
人数を数える場合は「人」を使います。競技大会などでチームを数える場合は「チーム」を使いますが、選手個人を指す場合は「名」という助数詞を使うと丁寧です。
はい、言えます。競技会に参加する人であれば、プロ・アマ問わず「選手」と呼ぶことができます。
主に「athlete」や「player」と訳されます。文脈に応じて使い分けることが重要です。
Test Yourself
彼は有名なサッカー___です。
サッカーというスポーツの競技者なので「選手」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
A 'senshu' is a formal participant in a sports competition or athletic event.
- Refers to an athlete participating in a game or sport.
- Commonly used with specific sports names like baseball or soccer.
- Indicates someone competing formally in a tournament or match.
Combine with sport names
Always pair 'senshu' with the sport name for clarity. For example, 'Yakyu-senshu' (baseball player) is more specific than just 'senshu'.
Not for casual gamers
Avoid using 'senshu' for people playing casual video games at home. It implies a formal competitive context.
The importance of 'Senshu-senshi'
In Japanese sports culture, the 'Senshu-senshi' (oath of the athletes) is a symbolic ritual at the start of major events like the Olympics.
Examples
4 of 4彼はオリンピックの選手です。
He is an Olympic athlete.
選手一同、全力を尽くします。
All the athletes will do their best.
どの選手が勝つと思う？
Which athlete do you think will win?
本大会の登録選手名簿を確認してください。
Please check the registered athlete list for this tournament.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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〜後
A2Indicates 'after' a specific event or time.
攻める
A2To initiate an attack or offensive action; to attack.
ボール
A2A spherical object used in games.
野球
A2Baseball.
バスケットボール
A2Basketball
〜前
A2Indicates 'before' a specific event or time.
銅メダル
A2A bronze medal, awarded for third place.
応援する
A2To cheer for or support a team/player.
コーチ
A2A person who trains and instructs athletes or a team; a coach.
〜中
A2Indicates 'during' or 'in the middle of' an activity or period.
