가위바위보
gawibawibo[ka̠ɥiba̠ɥibo̞]
The English phrase "paper scissors rock" is translated into Korean as 가위바위보 (gawibawibo).
가위바위보 is used as a rhythmic chant immediately before players reveal their hand gestures to make a decision or settle a dispute. In practice, the phrase is often shouted rhythmically, with the final syllable acting as the cue to show the hand gestures.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the words for scissors (가위), rock (바위) and paper (보) in that specific order.
How do you pronounce it?
gawibawibo
Did you know?
- The word 보 does not mean 'paper' in a modern sense, but refers to a 'wrapping cloth' used to store items before the invention of envelopes or bags.
- When playing with a large group, Koreans often use a 'survival' format where everyone plays simultaneously and only those who win or tie move to the next round.
- The rhythm of 가위바위보 is so culturally ingrained that it is often used as a beat for various children's playground games and rhythmic clapping exercises beyond just the hand game.
Examples in context
- 가위바위보로 결정하자.gawi-bawi-bo-ro gyeol-jeong-ha-ja.Let's decide with paper scissors rock.
- 누가 먼저 할지 가위바위보 해.nu-ga meon-jeo hal-ji gawi-bawi-bo hae.Play paper scissors rock to see who goes first.
- 가위바위보 해서 이긴 사람이 뽑는 거야.gawi-bawi-bo hae-seo i-gin sa-ram-i ppop-neun geo-ya.The winner of paper scissors rock picks.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are deciding who will buy coffee.
- 민지 Min-ji누가 커피 살까? 가위바위보 하자!nuga keopi salkka? gawibawibo haja!Who should buy coffee? Let's play rock paper scissors!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그래, 좋아. 준비됐어?geurae, joa. junbidwaesseo?Sure, okay. Are you ready?
- 민지 Min-ji가위바위보!gawibawibo!Rock paper scissors!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내가 졌네. 내가 살게.naega jyeon-ne. naega salge.I lost. I'll buy it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 가위바위보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가위바위보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
