Translation guide
The English term "round robin" has two main uses: a tournament format where everyone plays everyone, and a method of taking turns in a circle. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for both meanings.
A competition where each participant plays against every other participant.
A method where people take turns in a fixed order, often going around a circle.
A natural way to describe passing something around in order. Literally 'pass around in turn'.
名簿に順番にサインを回してください。
Please pass the sign-up sheet around in a round robin.
総当たり戦 is the general term for any round robin format. リーグ戦 specifically implies a league competition, often with home and away matches. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but リーグ戦 is more common in professional sports.
The most common and natural way to say 'round robin' in sports and games. Literally 'all-against-all match'.
この大会は総当たり戦で行われます。
This tournament will be held in a round robin format.
Often used interchangeably with 総当たり戦, especially in professional sports leagues. Implies a league format where teams play each other, often home and away.
Jリーグはリーグ戦形式です。
The J.League uses a round robin format.
A direct loanword from English, used in some technical or gaming contexts, but less common than the native terms.
このゲームのトーナメントはラウンドロビン方式です。
This game's tournament uses a round robin system.
Emphasizes 'one person at a time, in order'. Useful for activities like speaking or performing.
一人ずつ順番に意見を言ってください。
Please give your opinion in a round robin, one at a time.
In casual settings, Japanese often implies turn-taking without a specific phrase. Simply stating the action with context may be enough.
じゃあ、順番に自己紹介しよう。
Okay, let's introduce ourselves in a round robin.