Translation guide
Describes a competition or match that is settled after just one round, game, or attempt, rather than a series. The focus is on the format where there is no second chance.
To describe a contest, game, or match that is decided by one round, without a best-of series or multiple attempts.
Literally 'one-shot contest'. Very common and natural way to say a contest decided in a single attempt or round. Often used in games, sports, or any do-or-die situation.
このゲームは一発勝負だ。
This game is decided by a single round.
It was a one-shot exam.
Literally 'one-point match'. Often used in martial arts or sports where a single point or round decides the winner. Can be used more broadly for any single-round contest.
決勝は一本勝負で行われた。
The final was decided by a single round.
A match that is decided in one go. More specific than just 一発勝負, explicitly referring to a match or game.
これは一発勝負の試合だから、ミスは許されない。
This is a single-round match, so no mistakes are allowed.
To describe a tournament or contest where one loss eliminates you, or where the next point wins.
Same phrase as above, but can also imply a single-elimination format where there is no second chance.
トーナメントは一発勝負だ。
The tournament is single-elimination.
Loanword from English 'sudden death'. Used in sports or games where the next score decides the winner.
延長戦はサドンデス方式で行われた。
Overtime was played in sudden death format.
To emphasize that the entire contest hinges on a single round or attempt, with no second chance.
Literally 'one or eight gamble', meaning an all-or-nothing contest. Emphasizes the risk and do-or-die nature.
最後の一投は一か八かの勝負だった。
The last throw was an all-or-nothing contest.
一発勝負 is the go-to phrase for any contest decided in one round. It can be used for games, exams, interviews, or any situation where you only get one shot. It's casual and widely understood.
一本勝負 originally comes from martial arts (ippon), so it carries a slightly more sporty or competitive nuance. 一発勝負 is more general and can be used for non-sporting contexts like exams or business pitches.