Translation guide
The English phrase "one round" can refer to a single circuit or stage in a competition, a single serving of drinks, a single cycle in a repeated process, or a single bullet or shot. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a single match, game, or stage in a tournament or contest.
Literally 'first round', used for the first stage of a tournament. For other rounds, replace 一 with the appropriate number (e.g., 二回戦 for second round).
彼は一回戦で負けた。
He lost in the first round.
Loanword from English, used in sports like boxing or golf. Often combined with a number.
第1ラウンドでノックアウトした。
He knocked him out in the first round.
Used for one round in board games like Go or Shogi.
一局指しましょう。
Let's play one round (of shogi).
Buying a round of drinks at a bar or party.
Means 'one drink each'. Often used with おごる (to treat) or 頼む (to order).
私が一杯ずつおごります。
I'll buy a round of drinks.
Direct loan from English 'one round', used in casual drinking contexts.
ワンラウンド頼もう。
Let's order one round.
Instead of 'one round', you can specify treating everyone.
みんなの分、私が払うよ。
I'll pay for everyone's drinks.
A single iteration of a recurring event, such as negotiations, treatment, or a game turn.
General counter for occurrences. Can be used for rounds of talks, treatments, etc.
交渉は一回で終わった。
The negotiations ended after one round.
Implies going around a cycle or making a full round, e.g., of patrol or inspection.
Literally 'one lap' or 'one circuit', used for physical rounds like running or driving.
A single unit of ammunition.
Counter for bullets, shots, or rounds of ammunition.
弾丸を一発だけ残っている。
I have only one round left.
More formal or literary term for one bullet or round.
一弾で仕留めた。
He took it down with one round.
Do not translate 'one round' as 一丸 (いちがん) or 一円 (いちえん); these have different meanings (unity, one yen). Always use context-appropriate counters.
警備員が一巡した。
The guard made one round.
トラックを一周走った。
I ran one round of the track.