NetChai Chinese

How to Say “Rock, paper, scissors” in Chinese

石头剪刀布
shítou jiǎndāo bù
Rock, paper, scissors · trad. 石頭剪刀布
Two children play rock paper scissors to decide a turn, illustrating “rock, paper, scissors” in Chinese: 石头剪刀布 (shítou jiǎndāo bù)

石头剪刀布 (shítou jiǎndāo bù) is the Chinese name for the game "Rock, Paper, Scissors." It's a popular hand game used by children and adults alike to make quick decisions or settle minor disputes, just like in many other cultures.

What does 石头剪刀布 (shítou jiǎndāo bù) mean?

石头剪刀布 (shítou jiǎndāo bù) means “rock, paper, scissors” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “stone scissors cloth.”

When to use it

Neutral and informal. It's typically used in casual settings among friends, family, or children to decide something quickly and fairly.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like “SHRR-toh JYEN-dao BOO.” 石 rises and 头 is light; 剪 dips and 刀 is high and level; 布 falls sharply.

Other ways to say it

  • 玩石头剪刀布wán shítou jiǎndāo bùplay rock paper scissors
  • 猜拳cāiquánfinger guessing game (general term)
  • 我们来玩石头剪刀布吧wǒmen lái wán shítou jiǎndāo bù baLet's play rock paper scissors!

Examples

我们玩石头剪刀布来决定谁先走。
wǒmen wán shítou jiǎndāo bù lái juédìng shéi xiān zǒu.
We'll play rock, paper, scissors to decide who goes first.
石头剪刀布!你输了!
shítou jiǎndāo bù! nǐ shū le!
Rock, paper, scissors! You lost!
孩子们喜欢玩石头剪刀布。
háizimen xǐhuān wán shítou jiǎndāo bù.
Kids love to play rock, paper, scissors.
Pro tip: The order of "stone, scissors, cloth" (石头剪刀布) is fixed in Chinese, unlike some English variations where "paper" might come first.

Related phrases

你藏好了吗? · Are you hidden yet我找到你啦 · Found you讲个故事吧 · Let's read a story
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