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rikishi

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /rɪˈkiːʃi/

KK: /rikishi/

noun
Definition

A person who competes in the sport of sumo wrestling, typically trained in traditional techniques and rituals.


Example

The rikishi trained hard every day to prepare for the upcoming tournament.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you watch the sumo tournament last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing to see the rikishi compete.
Sloth A
I love how they show so much strength and skill.
Sloth B
Absolutely! Those rikishi really know how to put on a show.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wrestler
fighter
competitor
Antonyms
loser
defeated
amateur
Root Explanation

Rikishi is a Japanese word (力士) that combines "力" (pronounced 'riki', meaning strength or power) and "士" (pronounced 'shi', meaning person or warrior). The term refers to a person who is a wrestler, specifically in the context of sumo wrestling, emphasizing their strength and warrior-like qualities.

Memory Tip

Think of 'strength' ('riki') and 'person' ('shi') to remember that a rikishi is a strong person, specifically a sumo wrestler.

Visually Confused Words
riskish
rishi
trickish
prickish
briskish
brickish
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