相撲
すもう
sumo
= sumo / Japanese wrestling
Sumo (相撲) is Japan’s traditional wrestling sport with roots stretching back centuries. Sumo wrestlers (rikishi) are athletes and celebrities, respected for skill, size, and dedication to their craft.
Sumo is a combat sport where two wrestlers attempt to force each other out of a circular ring or to the ground. Matches are often brief but intense. Sumo tradition includes elaborate ceremonies, hierarchies (ranking system), and lifestyle rules. Professional sumo wrestlers train in stables, follow strict codes, and achieve celebrity status. Sumo tournaments occur six times yearly. Top-ranked wrestlers earn substantial income and sponsorships.
Sumo matches are surprisingly quick. Traditional sumo has strict rules about behavior and appearance.
相 (mutual) + 撲 (hit/strike)
EXAMPLE 1
相撲の力士は、本当に大きい。でも敏捷性がある。
Sumo no rikishi wa, hontou ni okii. Demo binshouchou-sei ga aru.
Sumo wrestlers are huge. But they’re surprisingly agile.
EXAMPLE 2
大相撲のトーナメントは、年に6回ある。
Oozumo no oonamento wa, toshi ni roku-kai aru.
Professional sumo tournaments happen six times yearly.
EXAMPLE 3
相撲は、日本の伝統スポーツだ。
Sumo wa, Nihon no dentou supotsu da.
Sumo is Japan’s traditional sport.
Sumo is deeply traditional Japanese sport with centuries of history.
Professional sumo is institutionalized, prestigious, and culturally significant.
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