Translation and Meaning of: 選手 - senshu

The Japanese word 選手 (せんしゅ, senshu) is a common term in the sports and everyday vocabulary of Japan. If you have ever watched a Japanese sports competition or heard comments about athletes, you have likely come across this expression. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in different contexts. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing the term and how it relates to Japanese culture.

Meaning and use of 選手

選手 (せんしゅ) literally means "player" or "athlete", and is widely used to refer to competitors in sports. Unlike terms such as プレイヤー (pureiyā, from the English "player"), which can be used in more general contexts, 選手 carries a more formal and specific tone for organized competitions. You will often find it in sports events, news, and even in informal conversations about sports.

One interesting detail is that, although the word is mainly associated with sports, it can also be used metaphorically in other competitive scenarios, such as in contests or even in business contexts. However, its predominant usage remains in the world of sports, especially in broadcasts of baseball, soccer, and judo.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 選手 is composed of two kanji: 選 (sen), which means "to select" or "to choose," and 手 (shu), which represents "hand" or "person." Together, they form the idea of "someone selected" or "chosen individual" for a competition. This composition reflects the meaning of the word well, as athletes typically undergo selection processes before representing teams or countries.

It's worth noting that 選 also appears in other words related to selection, such as 選挙 (senkyo, "election"), while 手 is an extremely versatile kanji, found in terms like 歌手 (kashu, "singer") and 運転手 (untenshu, "driver"). This familiarity helps Japanese language students to associate 選手 more easily with its meaning.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember 選手 is to associate it with sports competitions. If you follow any Japanese sports, such as NPB baseball or sumo championships, notice how the word is constantly repeated during broadcasts. Another tip is to create flashcards with images of athletes and the kanji writing, reinforcing the visual connection.

Culturally, 選手 is a word that carries respect. In Japan, professional athletes are seen with admiration, and the term reflects this value. In some cases, even students who excel in school tournaments may be called 選手, showing how the term transcends high-performance sports.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

選手 (senshu) - Athlete/competitor
スポーツ選手 (supōtsu senshu) - Sports athlete
アスリート (asurīto) - High-performance athlete
選抜選手 (senbatsu senshu) - Selected athlete (for competitions)
競技者 (kyōgisha) - Competitor (a person who participates in competitions)
競技選手 (kyōgi senshu) - Competitive athlete (specialized in competitions)
スポーツマン (supōtsuman) - Athletic man (usually refers to men)
スポーツウーマン (supōtsuwōman) - Athletic woman (generally refers to women)
選抜者 (senbatsu-sha) - Selected (usually for a team or competition)
選抜プレイヤー (senbatsu puriyā) - Selected player
選抜メンバー (senbatsu menbā) - Selected member
選抜チームメンバー (senbatsu chīmu menbā) - Selected team member
選抜代表 (senbatsu daihyō) - Selected representative
代表選手 (daihyou senshu) - Representative athlete (of a team or country)
チームメンバー (chīmu menbā) - Team member
プレイヤー (puriyā) - player
選抜選手団員 (senbatsu senshu danin) - Selected member of an athletes' delegation
選手団メンバー (senshu dan menbā) - Member of the athletes' delegation
選手団代表 (senshu dan daihyō) - Representative of the delegation of athletes
スポーツ選手団員 (supōtsu senshu danin) - Member of a sports delegation
スポーツ選手団メンバー (supōtsu senshu dan menbā) - Member of the sports athletes delegation