가위바위보
gawibawibo[ka̠ɥiba̠ɥibo̞]
가위바위보 (gawibawibo) is the Korean phrase for stone paper scissors.
This phrase refers to the hand game used to make decisions or choose between players. It is often shouted rhythmically as a single unit, 가위바위보!, to signal the start of the game. Alternatively, players may chant the words with pauses between them, as in 가위, 바위, 보!, to synchronize their movements.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the words for scissors (가위), rock (바위) and paper (보).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In North Korea, the order of the game is 주먹 보 가위, which translates to fist paper scissors.
How do you pronounce it?
gawibawibo
Did you know?
- The word 보 refers to a 'wrapping cloth', which was historically used in Korea for everything from carrying babies to storing food before the widespread use of bags.
- The term 바위 specifically refers to a large natural boulder rather than a small stone or pebble.
- The rhythmic chant of 가위바위보 is used in K-dramas and variety shows as a comedic device to create artificial high-stakes tension.
Examples in context
- 우리 가위바위보 할까?uri gawibabibo halkka?Shall we play stone paper scissors?
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are deciding who will clean the room.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo누가 청소할지 가위바위보 해요.nuga cheongsohalji gawibawibo haeyo.Let's play rock paper scissors to see who cleans.
- 지은 Ji-eun좋아요. 제가 이길 거예요.joayo. jega igil geoyeyo.Okay. I'm going to win.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo가위바위보!gawibawibo!Rock paper scissors!
- 지은 Ji-eun앗, 제가 졌네요.at, jega jyeonneyo.Oh, I lost.
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.
