Would it be appropriate to use 棋士 to describe players of games other than Shogi?


I realize this is is a bit of a specialized question, but I'm trying to figure
out what to call a person who plays chess or go professionally. I'm aware of
the term 棋士 (きし) / プロ棋士 in professional Shogi, and was wondering if this term
could be used for other people like this or if it's specifically something
from Shogi's history.

In the latter case, what would one call someone who plays either chess or go
at a professional level?




The word '[ _go_](http://jisho.org/search/%E6%A3%8B)' is derived from the
kanji [碁]{ご} which is pronounced [go]. '[
_士_](http://jisho.org/search/%E5%A3%AB)' means

> man (esp. one who is well-respected)

Therefore, [棋士]{きし} literally translates to 'a respected man in the game of go
and shogi' (The kanji 棋 is also used in '将 **棋** (shogi)').

This term applies not only to a shogi (professional) player, but also to a go
(professional) player. You need to note that it is also used for amateur
players.

チェス (Chess) is also called '[西洋将棋]{せいようしょうぎ} (Western shogi)' and there is no
reason not to use
'[チェス棋士](https://www.google.com/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=s45BVoWaOIrN8gf1lpygCA#q=%22%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9%E6%A3%8B%E5%A3%AB%22)'.

As commented by @Matt below, "チェスプレヤー (chess player)" is a lot more common.




The word '[ _go_](http://jisho.org/search/%E6%A3%8B)' is derived from the
kanji [碁]{ご} which is pronounced [go]. '[
_士_](http://jisho.org/search/%E5%A3%AB)' means

> man (esp. one who is well-respected)

Therefore, [棋士]{きし} literally translates to 'a respected man in the game of go
and shogi' (The kanji 棋 is also used in '将 **棋** (shogi)').

This term applies not only to a shogi (professional) player, but also to a go
(professional) player. You need to note that it is also used for amateur
players.

チェス (Chess) is also called '[西洋将棋]{せいようしょうぎ} (Western shogi)' and there is no
reason not to use
'[チェス棋士](https://www.google.com/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=s45BVoWaOIrN8gf1lpygCA#q=%22%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%82%B9%E6%A3%8B%E5%A3%AB%22)'.

As commented by @Matt below, "チェスプレヤー (chess player)" is a lot more common.

