Japanese word

くじ引き

Pronunciation

Romajikujibiki

Meaning

  • noundrawing lots

Example

順番はくじ引きで決めます。jun ban wa ku ji bi ki de ki me ma su

We decide the order by drawing lots.

Illustration for くじ引き (drawing lots)

More examples

公平を保つため、くじ引きを行います。kō hei o tamo tsu ta me ku ji bi ki o okona i ma su

To keep things fair, we will draw lots.

Core concept

Uses a random draw to decide who is chosen, which option is selected, or what order people take.

Common phrases

  • くじ引きをするku ji bi ki o su ru

    draw lots

  • くじ引きで決めるku ji bi ki de ki me ru

    decide by drawing lots

Similar words

抽選chūsen: A random process selects a person, winner, or option from a group.

Definition in Japanese

番号や印を付けた紙片などを引いて、順番や担当者を無作為に決めること。ban gō ya shirushi o tsu ke ta shi hen na do o hi i te jun ban ya tan tō sha o mu saku i ni ki me ru ko to

Word origin

くじ引き (kujibiki) is a native Japanese compound of くじ (kuji, "lot") and 引き (hiki, "pulling"), meaning the pulling of a lot.

Usage tips

  • The phrase drawing lots often appears when a fair random method is needed to decide turns, teams, or an assignment.

Other meanings

  • lotterynoun

Word lists with this word