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.
Rock-Paper-Scissors
Referring to the hand game Rock-Paper-Scissors
The standard Japanese word for Rock-Paper-Scissors. Used by all ages.
Let's decide by Rock-Paper-Scissors.
The children are playing Rock-Paper-Scissors.
The chant said when playing. Often used as a synonym for the game itself, especially among children.
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.
First is rock, rock-paper-scissors shoot!
The basic chant. On 'ぽん' you show your hand.
Naming the three hand signs
Describing win, lose, draw
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.
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.
じゃんけんぽん！
Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!
Scissors beats paper.
Paper beats rock.
I lost again.
あいこでしょ！
It's a tie! (chant when drawing)