相撲を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、相撲に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 相撲の基本情報
- ルール: 土俵から相手を押し出す、または足以外の体を地面に触れさせると勝ち
- 土俵: 試合が行われる円形のリングで、神聖な場所
- 番付: 力士のランクを示すもので、横綱、大関などの階級がある
- 相撲の文化と儀式
- 神道との関係: 相撲は神道の儀式が起源で、塩まきや土俵入りなどにその名残がある
- 横綱土俵入り: 横綱が行う特別な儀式で、試合前に神々への敬意を示す
- 弓取り式: 一日の取り組みの最後に行われる儀式で、優雅な所作が特徴
- 力士の生活
- 相撲部屋: 力士が共同生活を送り、厳しい稽古を行う場所
- ちゃんこ鍋: 力士が食べる高カロリーで栄養満点の鍋料理、一般のレストランでも楽しめる
- 大相撲観戦
- 年間6回の大会が全国で開催される
- 近くで迫力を楽しめる溜席や、手頃な椅子席など、座席の選択肢がある
- 観客が座布団を投げるような盛り上がりも名物
2人が相撲について話しています。
相撲の歴史や儀式、試合のルール、力士の生活、観戦の楽しみ方、ちゃんこ鍋などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey, Key. I’ve been hearing a lot about sumo wrestling lately. It seems so fascinating, but I don’t know much about it. Can you tell me more?
Absolutely! Sumo wrestling, or sumo, is Japan’s national sport and has been around for over 2,000 years. It’s not just a sport—it’s a mix of tradition, culture, and power.
2,000 years? That’s incredible. Was it always a sport?
Not exactly. It started as part of Shinto rituals to pray for a good harvest. Over time, it became a form of entertainment, especially during the Edo period. But it still keeps many of those religious elements.
Religious elements? Like what?
Well, for example, before each match, wrestlers throw salt into the ring to purify it. The ring itself, called a dohyo, is considered sacred. There’s also the yokozuna dohyo-iri, a special ceremony where the top-ranked wrestler, the Yokozuna, performs a ritual to show respect to the gods.
That’s fascinating. So, what happens in a match?
The goal is simple: push your opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with anything but their feet. Matches are quick, sometimes lasting only a few seconds, but they’re full of energy and strategy.
I’ve heard there are specific techniques?
Exactly! There are 82 official winning moves, called kimarite. Some rely on brute strength, while others use balance and timing. It’s like a mix of chess and wrestling.
That sounds intense! Do you know what’s even more interesting? I heard wrestlers live together in something called a sumo stable?
Yes, the sumo-beya! Wrestlers train and live together in these stables. Life there is very disciplined. Young wrestlers do chores, train hard, and learn sumo traditions from their seniors.
What about their diet? They must eat a lot to maintain their size.
They do! They eat chanko nabe, a hotpot filled with meat, fish, vegetables, and sometimes noodles. It’s nutritious and high in calories. Have you tried it?
Not yet, but I’d love to. Is it available outside the stables?
Definitely. Many retired wrestlers open chanko nabe restaurants. It’s a great way to experience sumo culture without stepping into a ring.
Speaking of culture, how do fans experience sumo?
There are six major tournaments every year. Fans can sit close to the ring in the tamari seats or choose more affordable options like chair seats. The atmosphere is amazing—people even throw cushions when something exciting happens, like an underdog beating a Yokozuna.
That sounds so lively! I’d love to see a match. Do you have a favorite moment from sumo?
Watching the bow-twirling ceremony (yumitori-shiki) at the end of the day is always special. It’s a graceful way to finish a day of intense matches.
This all sounds incredible. I think I’ll try to get tickets for a tournament. Any tips?
Book early! Popular matches sell out quickly, especially for ringside seats. Check out “Ticket Oosumo” or Ticket Pia. And if you go, I recommend watching the yokozuna dohyo-iri. It’s unforgettable.
Thanks, Key. You’ve made me even more excited about sumo. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Please do! And after the match, let’s go for some chanko nabe. You’ll love it.
関連情報 / related information
「相撲」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
相撲
What is Sumo Wrestling?
Sumo wrestling, or sumo, is Japan’s national sport and has been practiced for over 2,000 years. It is a traditional sport where two wrestlers, called rikishi, compete in a circular ring called a dohyo. The goal is to push the opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. Matches are fast and exciting, often lasting only a few seconds.
History of Sumo
Sumo started as part of Shinto religious ceremonies in ancient Japan. It was originally performed to pray for a good harvest and entertain the gods. During the Edo period (1603–1868), it became a popular form of entertainment for the public. While it is now a professional sport, sumo still keeps many of its religious and cultural traditions.
Special Features
Sumo is more than a sport. It is a mix of strength, technique, and culture. There are 82 official winning moves, called kimarite. Some techniques rely on power, while others use balance and timing. Sumo also includes many rituals, such as throwing salt into the ring to purify it and the ceremonial ring-entering dance performed by top-ranked wrestlers, like Yokozuna.
Life of a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live in special training houses called sumo-beya. Life there is strict. They wake up early, practice hard, and follow traditional rules. Wrestlers eat a special meal called chanko nabe, a nutritious hotpot with meat, fish, and vegetables, to build strength and size. Their daily lives are disciplined and deeply connected to sumo traditions.
Watching Sumo
Sumo tournaments, called honbasho, happen six times a year in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Fans can sit close to the ring in tamari seats or choose more affordable options like chair seats. The atmosphere is lively, and fans enjoy cheering and watching dramatic moments, such as when an underdog beats a higher-ranked wrestler.
Conclusion
Sumo is not just a sport but also a window into Japan’s history and culture. Its combination of physical power, strategy, and tradition makes it unique. Whether you are watching a tournament or trying chanko nabe at a restaurant, sumo offers an exciting and cultural experience for everyone.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「相撲」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is sumo wrestling?
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport where two wrestlers compete in a circular ring called a dohyo. The goal is to push the opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with anything other than their feet.
2: How old is sumo wrestling?
Sumo wrestling has been practiced for over 2,000 years. It started as part of Shinto rituals and later became a professional sport.
3: What is the purpose of throwing salt in sumo?
Wrestlers throw salt into the ring before a match to purify it. This ritual comes from Shinto beliefs and symbolizes cleansing the sacred ring.
4: What is a yokozuna?
A yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo wrestling. Yokozuna must be strong and skilled but also demonstrate dignity and respect. They perform special ceremonies, like the yokozuna dohyo-iri.
5: What is a sumo stable?
A sumo stable, or sumo-beya, is where wrestlers live and train. It is a strict environment where young wrestlers do chores, practice hard, and learn traditions from their seniors.
6: What is chanko nabe?
Chanko nabe is a high-calorie hotpot that sumo wrestlers eat to build strength and maintain their size. It contains meat, fish, vegetables, and sometimes noodles.
7: How many tournaments are held each year?
There are six major sumo tournaments each year, called honbasho. They are held in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
8: What are tamari seats in sumo?
Tamari seats are the closest seats to the ring. They offer an up-close view of the matches, but they are expensive and sometimes risky as wrestlers can fall into the audience.
9: What are kimarite?
Kimarite are the official winning moves in sumo wrestling. There are 82 recognized techniques, ranging from pushing and throwing to more complex maneuvers.
10: Why is sumo important in Japanese culture?
Sumo is more than a sport; it reflects Japan’s history, traditions, and connection to Shinto rituals. It is considered a symbol of Japanese culture and heritage.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey, Key. I’ve been hearing a lot about sumo wrestling lately. It seems so fascinating, but I don’t know much about it. Can you tell me more?
ねえキー、最近相撲の話をよく聞くんだ。すごく面白そうだけど、あまり詳しく知らないんだ。教えてくれる？
Absolutely! Sumo wrestling, or sumo, is Japan’s national sport and has been around for over 2,000 years. It’s not just a sport—it’s a mix of tradition, culture, and power.
もちろん！相撲は日本の国技で、2000年以上の歴史があるんだ。単なるスポーツじゃなくて、伝統、文化、そして力が融合したものなんだよ。
2,000 years? That’s incredible. Was it always a sport?2000年？
すごいな。それって最初からスポーツだったの？
Not exactly. It started as part of Shinto rituals to pray for a good harvest. Over time, it became a form of entertainment, especially during the Edo period. But it still keeps many of those religious elements.
そうでもないよ。もともとは豊作を祈る神道の儀式の一部だったんだ。それが時代とともに娯楽として発展して、特に江戸時代に広がったんだ。でも、宗教的な要素は今も残っているよ。
Religious elements? Like what?
宗教的な要素？どんなこと？
Well, for example, before each match, wrestlers throw salt into the ring to purify it. The ring itself, called a dohyo, is considered sacred. There’s also the yokozuna dohyo-iri, a special ceremony where the top-ranked wrestler, the Yokozuna, performs a ritual to show respect to the gods.
例えば、試合前に土俵を清めるために力士が塩を撒くんだ。土俵自体も神聖な場所とされているんだよ。それに横綱土俵入りっていう特別な儀式があって、横綱が神々への敬意を表すんだ。
That’s fascinating. So, what happens in a match?
すごく興味深いね。試合では何が起こるの？
The goal is simple: push your opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with anything but their feet. Matches are quick, sometimes lasting only a few seconds, but they’re full of energy and strategy.
ルールは簡単だよ。相手を土俵の外に押し出すか、足以外の部分が地面に触れたら勝ちなんだ。試合はすごく速くて、数秒で終わることもあるけど、エネルギーと戦略が詰まっているんだ。
I’ve heard there are specific techniques?
特別な技があるって聞いたけど？
Exactly! There are 82 official winning moves, called kimarite. Some rely on brute strength, while others use balance and timing. It’s like a mix of chess and wrestling.
その通り！「決まり手」って呼ばれる公式の勝ち技が82種類あるんだ。力に頼る技もあれば、バランスやタイミングが重要な技もあるよ。チェスとレスリングが混ざった感じだね。
That sounds intense! Do you know what’s even more interesting? I heard wrestlers live together in something called a sumo stable?
それはすごいね！もっと面白いことを聞いたんだけど、力士たちは「相撲部屋」っていうところで一緒に暮らしてるって本当？
Yes, the sumo-beya! Wrestlers train and live together in these stables. Life there is very disciplined. Young wrestlers do chores, train hard, and learn sumo traditions from their seniors.
そう、「相撲部屋」だよ！力士たちはそこで一緒に生活し、稽古するんだ。生活はとても厳しくて、若い力士たちは雑用をこなして、厳しい稽古をして、先輩たちから相撲の伝統を学ぶんだ。
What about their diet? They must eat a lot to maintain their size.
食事はどうなの？あれだけの体格を保つにはたくさん食べるよね？
They do! They eat chanko nabe, a hotpot filled with meat, fish, vegetables, and sometimes noodles. It’s nutritious and high in calories. Have you tried it?
その通り！「ちゃんこ鍋」っていう鍋料理を食べるんだ。肉や魚、野菜、時には麺も入っていて、栄養たっぷりで高カロリーなんだ。食べたことある？
Not yet, but I’d love to. Is it available outside the stables?
まだだけど、ぜひ食べてみたいな。相撲部屋以外でも食べられるの？
Definitely. Many retired wrestlers open chanko nabe restaurants. It’s a great way to experience sumo culture without stepping into a ring.
もちろん。引退した力士が「ちゃんこ鍋専門店」をよく開いているよ。土俵に立たなくても相撲文化を楽しむいい方法だね。
Speaking of culture, how do fans experience sumo?
文化といえば、ファンはどうやって相撲を楽しむの？
There are six major tournaments every year. Fans can sit close to the ring in the tamari seats or choose more affordable options like chair seats. The atmosphere is amazing—people even throw cushions when something exciting happens, like an underdog beating a Yokozuna.
年間6回の主要な大会があるんだ。観客は「溜席」で土俵近くに座ることもできるし、もっと手頃な椅子席を選ぶこともできるよ。雰囲気はすごく盛り上がるし、横綱が負けると観客が座布団を投げたりするんだ。
That sounds so lively! I’d love to see a match. Do you have a favorite moment from sumo?
すごく楽しそうだね！試合を見に行きたいな。キーの好きな相撲の瞬間はある？
Watching the bow-twirling ceremony (yumitori-shiki) at the end of the day is always special. It’s a graceful way to finish a day of intense matches.
一日の終わりに行われる「弓取り式」を見るのが特に好きだよ。激しい試合の一日を優雅に締めくくる儀式なんだ。
This all sounds incredible. I think I’ll try to get tickets for a tournament. Any tips?
すべてすごく魅力的だね。大会のチケットを取ってみようと思うんだけど、何かコツはある？
Book early! Popular matches sell out quickly, especially for ringside seats. Check out “Ticket Oosumo” or Ticket Pia. And if you go, I recommend watching the yokozuna dohyo-iri. It’s unforgettable.
早めに予約した方がいいよ！人気の試合はすぐに売り切れるから、特に土俵近くの席はね。「チケット大相撲」や「チケットぴあ」をチェックしてみて。行くなら横綱土俵入りを見るのがおすすめ。忘れられない体験になるよ。
Thanks, Key. You’ve made me even more excited about sumo. I’ll let you know how it goes!
ありがとう、キー。相撲への興味がますます高まったよ。どうだったかまた教えるね！
Please do! And after the match, let’s go for some chanko nabe. You’ll love it.
ぜひ教えて！試合の後は、ちゃんこ鍋を食べに行こうよ。絶対気に入るよ！
関連情報 / related information
相撲
What is Sumo Wrestling?
Sumo wrestling, or sumo, is Japan’s national sport and has been practiced for over 2,000 years. It is a traditional sport where two wrestlers, called rikishi, compete in a circular ring called a dohyo. The goal is to push the opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. Matches are fast and exciting, often lasting only a few seconds.
相撲は日本の国技で、2000年以上の歴史があります。力士と呼ばれる2人の選手が、土俵と呼ばれる円形のリングで競います。相手を土俵の外に押し出すか、足以外の部分を地面に触れさせれば勝利です。試合は非常に速く、数秒で終わることもあり、スリル満点です。
History of Sumo
Sumo started as part of Shinto religious ceremonies in ancient Japan. It was originally performed to pray for a good harvest and entertain the gods. During the Edo period (1603–1868), it became a popular form of entertainment for the public. While it is now a professional sport, sumo still keeps many of its religious and cultural traditions.
相撲は、古代日本の神道の儀式として始まりました。もともとは豊作を祈ったり、神々を楽しませるためのものでした。江戸時代（1603～1868年）には庶民の娯楽として人気を集めました。現在はプロスポーツですが、相撲には今でも宗教的で文化的な伝統が多く残されています。
Special Features
Sumo is more than a sport. It is a mix of strength, technique, and culture. There are 82 official winning moves, called kimarite. Some techniques rely on power, while others use balance and timing. Sumo also includes many rituals, such as throwing salt into the ring to purify it and the ceremonial ring-entering dance performed by top-ranked wrestlers, like Yokozuna.
相撲は単なるスポーツではありません。力、技術、文化が融合したものです。「決まり手」と呼ばれる公式の勝ち技が82種類あり、力に頼るものもあれば、バランスやタイミングを重視するものもあります。また、塩を撒いて土俵を清める儀式や、横綱が行う土俵入りなど、多くの儀式が含まれています。
Life of a Sumo Wrestler
Sumo wrestlers live in special training houses called sumo-beya. Life there is strict. They wake up early, practice hard, and follow traditional rules. Wrestlers eat a special meal called chanko nabe, a nutritious hotpot with meat, fish, and vegetables, to build strength and size. Their daily lives are disciplined and deeply connected to sumo traditions.
力士は「相撲部屋」と呼ばれる特別な訓練施設で生活します。そこでは厳しい規律があり、早朝に起きて稽古をし、伝統的なルールに従います。力士たちは「ちゃんこ鍋」と呼ばれる特別な鍋料理を食べます。肉、魚、野菜がたっぷり入り、栄養満点で体力と体格をつけるのに役立ちます。日々の生活は規律正しく、相撲の伝統と深く結びついています。
Watching Sumo
Sumo tournaments, called honbasho, happen six times a year in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Fans can sit close to the ring in tamari seats or choose more affordable options like chair seats. The atmosphere is lively, and fans enjoy cheering and watching dramatic moments, such as when an underdog beats a higher-ranked wrestler.
相撲の公式大会「本場所」は、東京、大阪、名古屋、福岡などで年間6回開催されます。観客は土俵近くの「溜席」で迫力を楽しむか、手頃な価格の椅子席を選ぶことができます。会場の雰囲気はとても活気があり、特に格下の力士が上位の力士を倒す瞬間など、観客の歓声が大きく盛り上がります。
Conclusion
Sumo is not just a sport but also a window into Japan’s history and culture. Its combination of physical power, strategy, and tradition makes it unique. Whether you are watching a tournament or trying chanko nabe at a restaurant, sumo offers an exciting and cultural experience for everyone.
相撲は単なるスポーツではなく、日本の歴史と文化を知る窓でもあります。体力、戦略、そして伝統が組み合わさった相撲は、他にはない魅力を持っています。大会を観戦するにしても、ちゃんこ鍋をレストランで食べるにしても、相撲は誰にとっても興味深い文化体験を提供してくれます。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is sumo wrestling?
相撲とは何ですか？
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport where two wrestlers compete in a circular ring called a dohyo. The goal is to push the opponent out of the ring or make them touch the ground with anything other than their feet.
相撲は日本の国技で、土俵と呼ばれる円形のリングで2人の力士が競います。相手を土俵の外に押し出すか、足以外の部分を地面に触れさせることが勝利の目標です。
2: How old is sumo wrestling?
相撲の歴史はどのくらい古いですか？
Sumo wrestling has been practiced for over 2,000 years. It started as part of Shinto rituals and later became a professional sport.
相撲は2000年以上前から行われてきました。もともとは神道の儀式の一部として始まり、後にプロスポーツになりました。
3: What is the purpose of throwing salt in sumo?
相撲で塩を撒く目的は何ですか？
Wrestlers throw salt into the ring before a match to purify it. This ritual comes from Shinto beliefs and symbolizes cleansing the sacred ring.
力士は試合の前に土俵を清めるために塩を撒きます。この儀式は神道の信仰に由来し、神聖な土俵を浄化することを象徴しています。
4: What is a yokozuna?
横綱とは何ですか？
A yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo wrestling. Yokozuna must be strong and skilled but also demonstrate dignity and respect. They perform special ceremonies, like the yokozuna dohyo-iri.
横綱は相撲の最高位のランクです。横綱は強さや技術だけでなく、品格や尊敬を示す必要があります。また、横綱土俵入りのような特別な儀式を行います。
5: What is a sumo stable?
相撲部屋とは何ですか？
A sumo stable, or sumo-beya, is where wrestlers live and train. It is a strict environment where young wrestlers do chores, practice hard, and learn traditions from their seniors.
相撲部屋は力士が生活し、稽古をする場所です。若い力士は雑用をこなし、厳しい稽古を行い、先輩から伝統を学ぶ厳格な環境です。
6: What is chanko nabe?
ちゃんこ鍋とは何ですか？
Chanko nabe is a high-calorie hotpot that sumo wrestlers eat to build strength and maintain their size. It contains meat, fish, vegetables, and sometimes noodles.
ちゃんこ鍋は力士が体力をつけ、体格を維持するために食べる高カロリーな鍋料理です。肉や魚、野菜、時には麺も含まれます。
7: How many tournaments are held each year?
1年間にいくつの大会が開催されますか？
There are six major sumo tournaments each year, called honbasho. They are held in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
1年間に6つの主要な相撲大会が開催されます。本場所と呼ばれ、東京、大阪、名古屋、福岡などの都市で行われます。
8: What are tamari seats in sumo?
相撲の溜席とは何ですか？
Tamari seats are the closest seats to the ring. They offer an up-close view of the matches, but they are expensive and sometimes risky as wrestlers can fall into the audience.
溜席は土俵に最も近い座席です。試合を間近で見ることができますが、高価であり、力士が観客席に飛び込むことがあるためリスクも伴います。
9: What are kimarite?
決まり手とは何ですか？
Kimarite are the official winning moves in sumo wrestling. There are 82 recognized techniques, ranging from pushing and throwing to more complex maneuvers.
決まり手は相撲の公式な勝ち技です。押しや投げから複雑な動きまで、82種類の技が認められています。
10: Why is sumo important in Japanese culture?
相撲が日本文化において重要な理由は何ですか？
Sumo is more than a sport; it reflects Japan’s history, traditions, and connection to Shinto rituals. It is considered a symbol of Japanese culture and heritage.
相撲は単なるスポーツではなく、日本の歴史や伝統、神道の儀式とのつながりを反映しています。日本文化や遺産の象徴とされています。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
purify : 動詞
意味:清める、浄化する。To remove impurities or make something clean or holy.
（相撲の土俵で、試合前に塩を撒くことで神聖な場所を清める行為を指す）
例文:
- They used salt to purify the sacred ring.
「彼らは神聖な土俵を清めるために塩を使いました。」 - This machine can purify water for drinking.
「この機械は飲料用に水を浄化できます。」 - Meditation helps to purify the mind.
「瞑想は心を浄化するのに役立ちます。」
sacred : 形容詞
意味:神聖な、特別な意味を持つ。Connected to religion or deserving great respect and reverence.
例文:
- The dohyo is considered a sacred place in sumo wrestling.
「土俵は相撲で神聖な場所とされています。」 - This temple is a sacred site for many believers.
「この寺院は多くの信者にとって神聖な場所です。」 - Respecting sacred traditions is important in many cultures.
「神聖な伝統を尊重することは多くの文化で重要です。」
brute : 形容詞・名詞
意味: （形容詞）力強い、荒々しい。（名詞）獣のような人。 (Adjective) Strong and rough. (Noun) A person or animal that is violent or cruel.
（相撲の技の中には、純粋に力に頼る「力強い」技があることを指す）
例文:
- Some sumo techniques rely purely on brute strength.
「相撲の技には純粋に力強さに頼るものもあります。」 - He solved the problem with brute force rather than skill.
「彼はスキルではなく力任せに問題を解決しました。」 - The story described the monster as a terrifying brute.
「その物語では怪物が恐ろしい獣として描かれていました。」
disciplined : 形容詞
意味:規律正しい、厳しい規則に従う。Showing control, order, and adherence to rules.
（相撲部屋での厳しい生活や規則に従う力士の姿勢を指す）
例文:
- Wrestlers in the sumo stable lead a highly disciplined life.
「相撲部屋の力士は非常に規律正しい生活を送っています。」 - A disciplined mind is key to success.
「規律正しい心が成功の鍵です。」 - She is very disciplined in her daily exercise routine.
「彼女は日々の運動習慣を非常に規律正しくこなしています。」
underdog : 名詞
意味:弱者、勝ち目がないと思われる人。A person or team thought to have little chance of winning.
（番付下位の力士が上位力士に勝利する「金星」を挙げる場面を指す）
例文:
- Fans love it when an underdog defeats a Yokozuna.
「観客は格下の力士が横綱を倒すのを大いに喜びます。」 - The team was the underdog, but they won the championship.
「そのチームは弱者と思われていましたが、優勝しました。」 - Supporting the underdog often makes sports more exciting.
「弱者を応援することはスポーツをよりエキサイティングにします。」