用意、ドン！
yōi, don!
The phrase "ready, go!" in Japanese is translated as 用意、ドン！ (yōi, don!)
用意、ドン！ is a phrase used to signal the start of a race or a competition. It is most commonly used in the context of children's games or school sports competitions rather than professional athletic events.
What does it mean word for word?
The first part, 用意, literally means "preparation" or "readiness".
How do you pronounce it?
yōi, don!
When do people say it?
The phrase 用意、ドン！ is culturally iconic in Japan and is often used as a playful or nostalgic way to signal the start of an activity.
Did you know?
- In manga and anime, a large ドン (don) sound effect is often written in huge characters next to a character to signal a dramatic reveal or a 'surprise' entrance.
- The word ドン (don) is an onomatopoeia representing the sound of a drum being struck. It mimics the loud, decisive beat used to signal the start of a race.
- While 'ready, set, go!' includes a middle command to 'set', the Japanese version skips straight from 'readiness' to the 'impact' sound. This creates a much faster transition from preparation to action.
Examples in context
- 準備オッケー、スタートだ！Preparations okay, let's start!
- 用意、ドン！で走り始めてください。Yoi, don! de hashirihajimete kudasai.Please start running at the command, ready, go!
- 「用意、ドン！」の合図を待とう。“Yoi, don!” no aizu o matou.Let's wait for the signal, ready, go!
Example conversation
Two friends are preparing for a running race at a school event.
- 蓮 Ren準備はいい？Junbi wa ii?Are you ready?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、大丈夫！Un, daijoubu!Yeah, I'm fine!
- 蓮 Renよし、用意、ドン！でスタートだよ。Yoshi, yoi, don! de sutaato da yo.Alright, start at the command, ready, go!
- 美咲 Misaki頑張るね！Ganbaru ne!I'll do my best!
