Yokozuna
What it means
A sumo wrestler who holds the sport's highest rank.
Reach for it when naming the formal rank accurately rather than using it as loose praise
The new yokozuna accepted the title with quiet dignity.
Words to choose between 5
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
-
everyday
sumo champion
Fits when broad achievement is enough
Careful Tournament champions at lower ranks are not thereby yokozuna.
-
professional
rank holder
Fits when discussing the office rather than personal fame
Careful The generic phrase erases the unique standards and permanence of this rank.
-
professional
top-ranked wrestler
Fits when competitive standing matters to a general reader
Careful A wrestler can lead a current table without holding the rank of yokozuna.
-
formal
grand champion
Fits when the Japanese rank needs a concise explanation
Careful Grand champion is a translation and not the official title in every sport.
-
literary
leading rikishi
Fits when Japanese sumo vocabulary is already established
Careful A leading rikishi may still be several ranks below yokozuna.
Opposites 3
- novice
- lower-ranked wrestler
- challenger
Common phrases 3
-
new yokozuna
The new yokozuna performed the ceremony before his first tournament at rank.
-
reigning yokozuna
The reigning yokozuna withdrew rather than compete while injured.
-
yokozuna rank
The yokozuna rank carries expectations beyond winning bouts.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Yokozuna is a specific sumo rank, not a generic superlative for a large or powerful person.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated