제자리, 준비, 출발!
jejari, junbi, chulbal!
The English phrase "ready, set, go!" is translated into Korean as 제자리, 준비, 출발! (jejari, junbi, chulbal!)
This specific sequence is the standard way to signal the start of a race or competition in Korean.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: 제자리 (jejari) literally means "one's place" or "original position". 준비 (junbi) means "preparation" or "ready".
How do you pronounce it?
jejari, junbi, chulbal!
Did you know?
- In casual games among children, Koreans often replace this formal sequence with 하나, 둘, 셋! which means 'one, two, three!'
- The word 제자리 is a native Korean construction, unlike the other two words which are derived from Chinese characters.
- The word 자리 in 제자리 is a versatile term that can mean 'seat', 'spot' or 'position' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- 준비, 시작, 가자! 이번에 우리가 이길 거야!Ready, set, go! We're going to win this time!
- 제자리, 준비, 출발!je-ja-ri, jun-bi, chul-bal!Ready, set, go!
- 선생님이 제자리, 준비, 출발!이라고 하셨어.seon-saeng-nim-i je-ja-ri, jun-bi, chul-bal! i-ra-go ha-syeot-eo.The teacher said, "Ready, set, go!"
- 이제 제자리, 준비, 출발! 할 시간이야.i-je je-ja-ri, jun-bi, chul-bal! hal si-gan-i-ya.It is time to say, "Ready, set, go!"
Example conversation
Two friends are about to start a running race in a park.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우야, 준비됐어?hyeon-u-ya, jun-bi- dwaet-eo?Hyunwoo, are you ready?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 서연아. 준비됐어.eung, seo-yeon-a. jun-bi- dwaet-eo.Yes, Seoyeon. I am ready.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그럼 제자리, 준비, 출발!geu-reom je-ja-ri, jun-bi, chul-bal!Then, ready, set, go!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo와, 빨리 달려야 해!wa, ppal-li dal-lyeo-ya hae!Wow, I have to run fast!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 제자리, 준비, 출발, CC BY-SA 4.0.
