Translation guide
RPS is an acronym for Rock-Paper-Scissors, the hand game. In Japanese, it is commonly known as じゃんけん (janken). This guide covers how to talk about the game, play it, and related expressions.
じゃんけん
Rock-Paper-Scissors
Referring to the hand game Rock-Paper-Scissors
The standard Japanese word for Rock-Paper-Scissors. Used by all ages.
じゃんけんで決めよう。
Let's decide by Rock-Paper-Scissors.
子供たちはじゃんけんをして遊んでいる。
The children are playing Rock-Paper-Scissors.
The chant said when playing. Often used as a synonym for the game itself, especially among children.
じゃんけんぽん！
Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
The words you say when throwing your hand
A common chant meaning 'First is rock, rock-paper-scissors shoot!' Used to synchronize throws.
最初はグー、じゃんけんぽん！
First is rock, rock-paper-scissors shoot!
The basic chant. On 'ぽん' you show your hand.
じゃんけんぽん！
Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
Naming the three hand signs
Rock (a fist).
グーはチョキに勝つ。
Rock beats scissors.
Scissors (two fingers extended).
チョキはパーに勝つ。
Scissors beats paper.
Paper (open hand).
パーはグーに勝つ。
Paper beats rock.
Describing win, lose, draw
Win.
じゃんけんで勝った！
I won at Rock-Paper-Scissors!
Lose.
また負けた。
I lost again.
Draw, tie. When both show the same hand.
Variations of the game
A follow-up game often played after janken. The winner points a direction and the loser must look away; if they look in the pointed direction, the winner wins again.
じゃんけんの後、あっち向いてホイをしよう。
After Rock-Paper-Scissors, let's play Acchi Muite Hoi.
The chant may vary by region. Common variations include 'じゃんけんほい' or 'じゃんけんしょ'. The standard is 'じゃんけんぽん'.
Avoid saying 'ロック・ペーパー・シザーズ' in Japanese. It is not commonly used. Use じゃんけん instead.
It's a tie! (chant when drawing)