Round
Meaning: A set of drinks bought for everyone in a group at the same time.
Buying a round means purchasing one drink for every person in your group. In American bar culture, rounds are often traded — 'I'll get this round, you get the next one.' Buying rounds creates a social bond and an unspoken obligation to reciprocate. Skipping your turn to buy a round is a social faux pas.
Examples
- This round is on me — what's everyone drinking? 这轮我请——大家喝什么?Esta ronda la pago yo: ¿qué tomáis?今回は俺のおごり——みんな何飲む?이번은 내가 쏠게 — 다들 뭐 마실래?
- We took turns buying rounds all night. 我们整晚轮流请客。Estuvimos toda la noche turnándonos para pagar rondas.一晩中交代でおごり合ったよ。밤새 돌아가면서 한 라운드씩 쐈어.
- He bought a round of shots for the whole bar. 他给整个酒吧的人都请了一轮shot。Invitó a una ronda de chupitos a todo el bar.彼はバーにいる全員にショットを一巡おごった。그가 바 전체에 샷 한 라운드를 쐈다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: bars, socializing, celebrations
Tone: generous, social
✓ Do Say
- Next round is on me.下一轮我请。La próxima ronda la pago yo.次のラウンドは俺が出すよ。다음 라운드는 내가 살게.
- Let's do one more round.再来一轮吧。Vamos a tomarnos una ronda más.もう一巡いこう。한 라운드 더 하자.
✗ Don't Say
- If you accept rounds from others, you're expected to buy one back — don't freeload如果你接受了别人请的酒,就应该回请一轮——别白喝Si aceptas rondas de otros, se espera que tú también invites a una: no te aproveches.他の人のおごりを受けたら、自分もおごり返すのがマナー——ただ乗りはNG다른 사람이 사주는 걸 받으면 자기도 한 번은 사야 합니다 — 무임승차하지 마세요
Origin & History
British pub tradition adopted into American bar culture. The word 'round' refers to going around the group, with each person taking a turn to buy.
Cultural Context
Era: Longstanding tradition
Generation: All ages (21+)
Social background: Universal
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