How to say "athlete" in Japanese

• 選手せんしゅJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'athlete' in the sense of a player or competitor taking part in a sport, and also a team member. Typical context: match commentary, or talk of the athletes representing their country.
  アキラは上手じょうずなテニス選手せんしゅです。↗

  Akira is a good tennis player.
• アスリートCommon
  nounThe loanword for 'athlete', typically with a nuance of serious dedication to training and competition. Typical context: discussing professional or top-level competitors and their training.

Use 選手 for an athlete understood as a player or competitor in a sport or event; 「アスリート」 is the loanword for athlete, typically suggesting serious dedication to training and competitive sport.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 選手せんしゅplayer (of a sport)
• アスリートathlete
• 運動選手うんどうせんしゅathlete
• スポーツ選手スポーツせんしゅathlete
• 体育家たいいくかphysical culturist
• 競技者きょうぎしゃcompetitor
• 運動家うんどうかathlete