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).
He lost in the first round.
Loanword from English, used in sports like boxing or golf. Often combined with a number.
He knocked him out in the first round.
Used for one round in board games like Go or Shogi.
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).
I'll buy a round of drinks.
Direct loan from English 'one round', used in casual drinking contexts.
Let's order one round.
Instead of 'one round', you can specify treating everyone.
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.
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.
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.