1.
countdown
Counting down seconds before an event, such as a rocket launch or New Year's. Also used in shogi/go for time pressure at the end of a game.
秒読みが始まった。
The countdown has begun.
打ち上げの秒読みに入った。
The launch has entered the countdown phase.
開幕まであと三日、いよいよ秒読みだ。
Three days until the opening — the countdown is on.
Counting down seconds before an event. Used both literally (rocket launches, New Year's) and figuratively (any situation approaching a deadline).
FORMATION:
秒 (second) + 読み (reading/counting).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 秒読みに入る: to enter the countdown phase
- 秒読みが始まる: the countdown begins
- 秒読み段階: countdown stage
BOARD GAMES:
In 将棋 and 囲碁, 秒読み refers to the time-pressure phase where a player must move within a set number of seconds. The timekeeper counts aloud.
FIGURATIVE USE:
Often used metaphorically: 閉店の秒読みに入った (the store has entered the countdown to closing).