How to say "rookie" in Japanese

• ルーキーCommon
  nounThe direct loanword and the closest equivalent to 'rookie'; the word you hear for a rookie in sports, and a natural choice elsewhere when the flavor of the English term suits the context.
• 新人しんじんJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe neutral, general word for a newcomer: a first-year employee, a new member of a team or organization. This is what you want for 'rookie' in everyday workplace and organizational contexts.
  新人しんじん俳優はいゆうがハムレット役やくをすると広告こうこくしてあった。↗

  A new actor was billed to appear as Hamlet.
• ひよこCommon
  nounLiterally a chick; a metaphorical way to call someone green and inexperienced, with a playful or teasing tone. Colorful rather than neutral, so seldom the plain label you want for a rookie.
  ルチアーノは大だい声援せいえんを背負せおって戦たたかえるかもしれないが、彼かれはまだヒヨコに過すぎない。↗

  Luciano might have the crowd behind him, but he's still wet behind the ears.

Choose 「ルーキー」 as the direct equivalent, especially in sports; 新人 for a new employee or member in neutral contexts; 「ひよこ」 for a playful, teasing way to call someone green and inexperienced.

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

• ルーキーrookie
• 新人しんじんnewcomer
• 新入りしんいりnewcomer
• ひよこgreenhorn