Team player
Meaning: Someone who works well with others and puts the group's success above personal interests.
Being a 'team player' is one of the most valued traits in American work and school culture. It appears on every job posting and performance review. However, the phrase is sometimes used manipulatively — asking someone to be a 'team player' can mean pressuring them to accept unfair work, stay late, or not complain.
Examples
- We need someone who's a team player, not a lone wolf. 我们需要一个有团队精神的人,不要独行侠。Necesitamos a alguien que sea un jugador de equipo, no un lobo solitario.一匹狼じゃなくて、チームプレーヤーが必要なんだ。외톨이가 아니라, 팀플레이어가 필요해.
- Be a team player and cover her shift this weekend. 发扬一下团队精神,这周末替她顶一下班吧。Sé buen compañero y cúbrele el turno este fin de semana.チームプレーヤーとして、今週末は彼女のシフトをカバーしてくれよ。팀플레이어답게 이번 주말에 그녀 교대를 대신해 줘.
- He's a great team player — always willing to help others on the team. 他是很棒的团队合作者——总是乐意帮助团队里的其他人。Es un gran jugador de equipo: siempre está dispuesto a echar una mano a los demás.彼は素晴らしいチームプレーヤーだ——いつもチームの他のメンバーを助けようとしてくれる。그는 훌륭한 팀플레이어야——항상 팀원들을 도와주려고 해.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: workplace, sports, cooperation
Tone: positive or manipulative, depending on context
✓ Do Say
- She's a real team player.她真的很有团队精神。Es una auténtica jugadora de equipo.彼女は本当にチームプレーヤーだ。그녀는 진정한 팀플레이어야.
- Being a team player is important in this role.在这个岗位上,团队合作很重要。Ser un jugador de equipo es importante en este puesto.この役職ではチームプレーヤーであることが重要です。이 역할에서는 팀플레이어인 것이 중요해.
✗ Don't Say
- Watch out when someone asks you to 'be a team player' — it sometimes means doing extra work for free当有人要求你'做一个有团队精神的人'时要留心——这有时意味着让你无偿多干活Cuidado cuando alguien te pide que seas «buen compañero»: a veces significa hacer trabajo extra gratis誰かに「チームプレーヤーになれ」と言われたら要注意——タダで余計な仕事をさせようとしている場合がある누군가가 '팀플레이어가 되라'고 할 때 주의할 것 — 공짜로 추가 업무를 하라는 뜻일 때가 있다
Origin & History
American business and sports culture, mid-20th century. The team metaphor from sports applied to the corporate world, where collaboration became a buzzword and 'team player' became the ultimate professional compliment.
Cultural Context
Era: Mid-20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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