also: よーいどん · よういどん
ready, go!
Used as a starting signal in races or competitions, equivalent to 'On your marks, get set, go!'.
See also: ドン
When the teacher shouted 'Ready, go!', the children all started running at once.
By extension, refers to a race or any contest that starts with this signal; often used metaphorically.
運動会のよーいドンで一等になった。
I won first place in the race at the sports day.
新製品の発売は各社のよーいドンだ。
The launch of the new product is a race among the companies.
Most common kana spelling; usually written in kana.
All-hiragana variant, also common.
All-katakana variant, often used for emphasis or in manga.
Kanji-kana mixed form; rarely used in practice.
Kanji-kana mixed form; rarely used in practice.
All-katakana spelling with long vowel ヨウ; less common than ヨーイドン.
From the starting command in races: 用意 (yōi, 'get ready') + ドン (don, onomatopoeic for a starting pistol or sudden sound).