よーいドン

interjection

ready, go!

Used as a starting signal in races or competitions, equivalent to 'On your marks, get set, go!'.

See also: ドン

• 先せん生せいが「よーいドン！」と叫さけぶと、子こどもたちは一いっ斉せいに走はしり出だした。

  When the teacher shouted 'Ready, go!', the children all started running at once.

noun

race; competition

By extension, refers to a race or any contest that starts with this signal; often used metaphorically.

• 運うん動どう会かいのよーいドンで一いっ等とうになった。

  I won first place in the race at the sports day.

• 新しん製せい品ひんの発はつ売ばいは各かく社しゃのよーいドンだ。

  The launch of the new product is a race among the companies.