Hello, I’m Kodak.
Even if you do not know much about sumo, you may recognize its most famous call:
Hakkiyoi, nokotta, nokotta!
Hakkiyoi encourages the wrestlers to act with energy, while nokotta tells them that the match is still alive and undecided.
The two calls are used at different moments.
はっきよい (hakkiyoi)
An encouraging call meaning roughly “Put your spirit into it!” or “Come on, keep fighting!” It may be used before the tachi-ai or when the wrestlers’ movement stops.
のこった (nokotta)
Literally “remained.” During active movement, it means that both wrestlers are still in the match and the result has not yet been decided.
Important:
The Japan Sumo Association gives the standard form as はっきよい, not はっけよい. However, English speakers often search and write it as hakkeyoi.
This article explains what the calls mean, when they are used, why the spelling is confusing, and what else the sumo referee says before, during, and after a bout.
For other essential terms, see our beginner’s guide to sumo vocabulary.
- 1 What Does “Hakkeyoi Nokotta” Mean?
- 2 Is It Hakkeyoi, Hakkiyoi, or Hakkēyoi?
- 3 What Does Hakkiyoi Mean?
- 4 Where Does Hakkiyoi Come From?
- 5 What Does Nokotta Mean?
- 6 Hakkiyoi vs Nokotta: When Is Each Call Used?
- 7 Who Says Hakkiyoi and Nokotta?
- 8 Gyōji vs Yobidashi: Who Says What?
- 9 What Does a Sumo Referee Say Before the Bout?
- 10 Does the Referee Say “Go” in Sumo?
- 11 What Does the Referee Say During the Bout?
- 12 What Happens When the Wrestlers Stop Moving?
- 13 What Does the Referee Say After a Water Break?
- 14 What Is Mawashi-Matta?
- 15 What Does the Sumo Referee Say When the Match Ends?
- 16 Can the Gyōji’s Decision Be Overturned?
- 17 Other Sumo Calls You May Hear
- 18 A Beginner’s Timeline of Sumo Voices
- 19 Natural Example Sentences
- 20 Common Beginner Mistakes
- 20.1 Mistake 1: Translating Hakkiyoi Nokotta as “Ready, Set, Go”
- 20.2 Mistake 2: Assuming Hakkeyoi Is the Official Japanese Spelling
- 20.3 Mistake 3: Believing Hakkiyoi and Nokotta Mean the Same Thing
- 20.4 Mistake 4: Thinking Nokotta Means “You Won”
- 20.5 Mistake 5: Calling the Yobidashi the Referee
- 20.6 Mistake 6: Assuming the Gyōji’s Decision Is Always Final
- 20.7 Mistake 7: Presenting One Etymology as Certain
- 21 FAQ About Hakkeyoi, Nokotta, and Sumo Referee Calls
- 21.1 What does hakkeyoi nokotta mean?
- 21.2 Is the correct word hakkeyoi or hakkiyoi?
- 21.3 Does hakkiyoi mean “Ready, set, go”?
- 21.4 What does nokotta literally mean?
- 21.5 When does the referee say hakkiyoi?
- 21.6 When does the referee say nokotta?
- 21.7 What is a sumo referee called?
- 21.8 Who calls the wrestlers’ names?
- 21.9 What does the referee say before a sumo match?
- 21.10 What does the referee say after a water break?
- 21.11 How does a gyōji announce the winner?
- 21.12 Can a sumo referee’s decision be changed?
- 22 Related Sumo Vocabulary
- 23 Summary: Hakkeyoi Nokotta Meaning
- 24 References
What Does “Hakkeyoi Nokotta” Mean?
The familiar English spelling hakkeyoi nokotta represents two separate Japanese calls:
An energetic prompt encouraging the wrestlers to engage or continue actively
のこった (nokotta)
“Still in!” / “The match is still alive!” / “No decision yet!”
A natural English rendering of the whole sound might be:
This is an explanation of function, not a word-for-word sentence translation. The referee does not deliver one fixed message meaning “Ready, set, go.”
The referee may use hakkiyoi as the wrestlers prepare or when they become locked and motionless, then change to repeated nokotta as they move and attack.
Is It Hakkeyoi, Hakkiyoi, or Hakkēyoi?
Many English websites and search queries use hakkeyoi. The Japan Sumo Association, however, writes the call as:
Practical romaji: hakkiyoi
Common English search spelling: hakkeyoi
For a learner, it is best to recognize the search spelling hakkeyoi but learn the association’s form はっきよい (hakkiyoi).
The small っ doubles the following consonant, producing a brief pause before ki:
ha-k-ki-yo-i
In an actual bout, the final vowel is often stretched for projection:
Hakkiyōi!
Traditional English spellings often preserve an approximate impression rather than strict modern romanization.
What Does Hakkiyoi Mean?
Hakkiyoi is an interjection used by the gyōji, the official standing on the dohyō who directs and judges the bout.
・encourage the wrestlers to act energetically
・prompt them as they prepare to engage
・urge continued action when both wrestlers become motionless
A useful beginner translation is:
“Come on—fight!”
“Keep the action going!”
The two wrestlers place their hands on the clay, synchronize their breathing and timing, and initiate the tachi-ai together. The gyōji confirms that the start is valid.
This is why translating hakkiyoi as “Ready, set, go” creates the wrong picture. It is an encouragement or prompt, not the single legal starting signal.
Where Does Hakkiyoi Come From?
The origin of the expression is not completely settled. Several explanations exist.
発気揚々 (hakki yōyō)
The interpretation adopted by the Japan Sumo Association: raise your spirit energetically and take the bout with vigor.
八卦良い (hakke yoi)
A traditional popular explanation connecting the call with “the divination signs are good.”
早競へ / 早き競へ (hayakihoe-related theory)
A linguistic theory connecting the expression with an older command urging the wrestlers to compete quickly.
Avoid claiming that one proposed etymology has been proven beyond doubt.
“The Japan Sumo Association explains hakkiyoi through 発気揚々, conveying the idea of fighting with raised energy and spirit. The deeper historical origin remains disputed.”
What Does Nokotta Mean?
Nokotta (のこった / 残った) is the past form of the verb nokoru (残る), meaning “to remain” or “to be left.”
to remain; to stay; to be left
残った (nokotta)
remained; is still there
Sumo function
Both wrestlers remain alive in the contest; the result is not yet decided.
During active movement, the gyōji repeatedly calls:
Nokotta, nokotta!
Natural sense:
“Still in!” / “No decision yet!” / “Keep going—the match is alive!”
The call announces and reinforces that both wrestlers are still remaining in the live contest. Neither has yet lost by touching down or going out.
Hakkiyoi vs Nokotta: When Is Each Call Used?
The simplest distinction is movement.
Used before engagement or when the wrestlers’ movement has stopped
⇒ “Come on—act with energy!”
Nokotta, nokotta
Used while the wrestlers are actively moving and the match remains undecided
⇒ “Still in! No decision yet!”
Hakkiyoi urges energy and action.
Nokotta marks the contest as still active while movement continues.
The wrestlers crouch and prepare
⇒ the gyōji may use prompts such as miawatte or hakkiyoi
They charge and exchange attacks
⇒ nokotta, nokotta!
They become locked chest-to-chest and stop moving
⇒ hakkiyoi!
One wrestler begins driving forward again
⇒ nokotta, nokotta!
A hand touches the ground or a foot goes outside
⇒ the gyōji points the gunbai toward the winner
Who Says Hakkiyoi and Nokotta?
The person saying these calls is the gyōji (行司).
The sumo official who stands on the dohyō, manages the bout, uses a gunbai fan, gives the immediate decision, and performs several ceremonial and administrative duties
English commonly calls the gyōji a sumo referee, but the role is broader than that of many modern sports referees.
The gyōji also announces the wrestlers’ ring names on the dohyō, but the two jobs are different.
Gyōji vs Yobidashi: Who Says What?
・stands on the dohyō
・directs the pre-bout preparation
・calls hakkiyoi and nokotta
・judges which wrestler lost first
・points the gunbai toward the winner
・gives the winner’s name
Yobidashi (呼出し)
・calls the wrestlers to the dohyō in a melodic voice
・uses a fan during the call
・announces attention with phrases such as tōzai tōzai in certain important moments
・also performs many practical duties, including dohyō construction and tournament support
The yobidashi summons the competitors. The gyōji formally identifies them on the dohyō and later announces the winner.
What Does a Sumo Referee Say Before the Bout?
The exact calls vary with the stage of preparation and division. Common gyōji phrases include the following.
まだまだ (Mada Mada)
Literally: “Not yet, not yet” / “There is still time”
The gyōji uses it while managing the wrestlers’ preparation and encouraging them to synchronize before standing up.
見合って (Miawatte)
Literally: “Face/observe each other”
In sumo, it prompts the wrestlers to coordinate their breathing and timing for the tachi-ai—not merely to stare into each other’s eyes.
時間です (Jikan Desu)
Literally: “It is time.”
The allotted preparation time has expired. The wrestlers must now make their final preparation and synchronize the start.
待ったなし (Matta Nashi)
Matta means a false start, interruption, or “wait.” Matta nashi means that there is no more waiting or restarting merely for additional preparation: the time limit is up.
There is no audible countdown and no gunshot. Both wrestlers must place their hands down and launch in mutual coordination.
Does the Referee Say “Go” in Sumo?
No. This is one of the biggest differences between sumo and many other combat sports.
A bell, whistle, or referee command officially starts the action.
Grand Sumo
The wrestlers create the start together through the tachi-ai. The gyōji supervises and accepts the start but does not normally provide one universal spoken “go.”
A valid tachi-ai depends on both wrestlers putting their hands down and matching their timing closely enough for the gyōji to allow the bout to continue.
Learn more about the fighting surface in our guide to the meaning and rules of the dohyō.
What Does the Referee Say During the Bout?
The two main calls are:
Prompting energetic action, especially when movement has stopped
のこった、のこった！
Repeated while the wrestlers are moving and the result remains undecided
The gyōji moves around the wrestlers while watching for the first losing action: a non-foot body part touching the ground or a wrestler going beyond the dohyō boundary.
The call confirms that neither competitor has yet lost and keeps the bout’s energy moving.
What Happens When the Wrestlers Stop Moving?
Sumo is not stopped simply because the wrestlers become locked in a static grip.
↓
The gyōji calls hakkiyoi to urge active sumo
↓
When movement resumes, the gyōji returns to nokotta, nokotta
In an exceptionally long, exhausting bout with no progress, officials may eventually order a mizu-iri, or water break, and later restore the wrestlers to the same positions.
What Does the Referee Say After a Water Break?
When a long bout is stopped for mizu-iri (水入り), the wrestlers’ grips and positions are carefully recorded. After they are restored, the gyōji checks that the wrestlers and ringside judges agree.
“Ready? Is this position all right?”
The gyōji says this while restarting the bout and gives a physical signal by tapping the wrestlers’ mawashi area.
The prescribed restart call is ii ka, ii ka, not “one more time, hakkiyoi.”
What Is Mawashi-Matta?
If a wrestler’s belt becomes dangerously loose, the gyōji can stop the action during a suitable moment. This is called mawashi-matta (廻し待った).
Matta — wait / stoppage
Mawashi-matta
A temporary stoppage so the belt can be secured
The wrestlers must preserve their grips and positions. The gyōji restarts the action with ii ka, ii ka after the adjustment.
What Does the Sumo Referee Say When the Match Ends?
When the gyōji sees the first losing action, he points his gunbai fan toward the winner’s side. The winning wrestler then returns to the appropriate position and receives the kachi-nanori, or winner’s announcement.
The gyōji calls the winning wrestler’s shikona and indicates the winner with the gunbai.
Can the Gyōji’s Decision Be Overturned?
Yes. Five ringside judges watch the bout. If one believes the gyōji’s decision may be wrong or the finish was too close, the judges can hold a conference called a mono-ii (物言い).
Gunbai-dōri
The gyōji’s original decision stands.
Gunbai-sashichigae
The decision is reversed.
Torinaoshi
The bout is ordered again because the finish is considered simultaneous or impossible to decide.
Other Sumo Calls You May Hear
東西 (Tōzai)
Before the first jonokuchi bout, the gyōji raises the gunbai and calls tōzai, literally “East and West,” to announce the start of the day’s matches.
東西東西 (Tōzai Tōzai)
A yobidashi may use this longer call to request the audience’s attention and quiet before important announcements or bouts. Its function is similar to “Ladies and gentlemen, please give your attention.”
The gyōji’s single tōzai opens the day’s jonokuchi action. The yobidashi’s melodic tōzai tōzai asks the audience to pay attention.
かたや…、こなた… (Kataya…, Konata…)
When formally identifying the wrestlers, a gyōji may say:
“On one side, [name]”
こなた [wrestler’s name]
“On this side, [name]”
For bouts involving wrestlers at sanyaku rank or above, the ring names are called twice in a style known as futagoe.
シー (Shī)
During the yokozuna dohyō-iri, the gyōji may produce a long shī sound as part of a ceremonial act called keihitsu, requesting quiet and solemn attention.
See our yokozuna meaning guide for more about the special ring-entering ceremony.
A Beginner’s Timeline of Sumo Voices
The yobidashi melodically calls their shikona.
On the dohyō
The gyōji formally identifies the wrestlers.
During preparation
You may hear mada mada, miawatte, and jikan desu.
At the tachi-ai
The wrestlers initiate the start together; there is no ordinary spoken “go.”
When action needs energy
Hakkiyoi!
While the bout is moving
Nokotta, nokotta!
At the finish
The gyōji points the gunbai to the winner.
Afterward
The gyōji gives the kachi-nanori, calling the winner’s name.
Natural Example Sentences
行司が「はっきよい」と声をかけた。
Gyōji ga “hakkiyoi” to koe o kaketa.
The gyōji called out “Hakkiyoi.”
取組中、「のこった、のこった」という声が響いた。
Torikumi-chū, “nokotta, nokotta” to iu koe ga hibiita.
During the bout, the call “Nokotta, nokotta” echoed through the arena.
「はっきよい」は単純なスタートの合図ではない。
“Hakkiyoi” wa tanjun na sutāto no aizu de wa nai.
“Hakkiyoi” is not simply a starting signal.
力士は互いに呼吸を合わせて立ち合う。
Rikishi wa tagai ni kokyū o awasete tachiau.
The wrestlers synchronize their breathing and begin the tachi-ai together.
動きが止まると、行司は再び「はっきよい」と促した。
Ugoki ga tomaru to, gyōji wa futatabi “hakkiyoi” to unagashita.
When the movement stopped, the gyōji again urged them with “Hakkiyoi.”
行司は勝った力士の方へ軍配を上げた。
Gyōji wa katta rikishi no hō e gunbai o ageta.
The gyōji pointed the gunbai toward the winning wrestler.
物言いの結果、行司の軍配が覆った。
Mono-ii no kekka, gyōji no gunbai ga kutsugaetta.
After the judges’ conference, the gyōji’s decision was overturned.
呼出しが二人の四股名を呼び上げた。
Yobidashi ga futari no shikona o yobiageta.
The yobidashi called the two wrestlers’ ring names.
時間いっぱいになると、行司が「時間です」と告げる。
Jikan ippai ni naru to, gyōji ga “jikan desu” to tsugeru.
When the preparation time expires, the gyōji announces, “It is time.”
水入りの後、「いいか、いいか」の声で取組が再開された。
Mizu-iri no ato, “ii ka, ii ka” no koe de torikumi ga saikai sareta.
After the water break, the bout restarted with the call “Ii ka, ii ka.”
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Translating Hakkiyoi Nokotta as “Ready, Set, Go”
The wrestlers start through their own synchronized tachi-ai. Hakkiyoi is encouragement; nokotta marks the match as still live.
Mistake 2: Assuming Hakkeyoi Is the Official Japanese Spelling
The Japan Sumo Association gives はっきよい. The spelling hakkeyoi is common in English searches but does not directly match the official kana.
Mistake 3: Believing Hakkiyoi and Nokotta Mean the Same Thing
Hakkiyoi encourages action, especially when movement is absent. Nokotta accompanies active movement and an undecided match.
Mistake 4: Thinking Nokotta Means “You Won”
It means almost the opposite: the match is not over yet.
Mistake 5: Calling the Yobidashi the Referee
The yobidashi summons the wrestlers. The gyōji stands on the dohyō and judges the bout.
Mistake 6: Assuming the Gyōji’s Decision Is Always Final
Ringside judges can call a mono-ii and uphold, reverse, or order a replay of the bout.
Mistake 7: Presenting One Etymology as Certain
The association uses the 発気揚々 explanation, but authoritative dictionaries record multiple origin theories.
FAQ About Hakkeyoi, Nokotta, and Sumo Referee Calls
What does hakkeyoi nokotta mean?
Hakkiyoi encourages the wrestlers to act energetically, while nokotta means that both wrestlers remain in the live contest and no result has yet been decided.
Is the correct word hakkeyoi or hakkiyoi?
The Japan Sumo Association writes it as はっきよい, which can be romanized as hakkiyoi. Hakkeyoi is a widespread English search spelling.
Does hakkiyoi mean “Ready, set, go”?
No. It is an energetic prompt, not the single legal starting signal. The wrestlers begin through a mutually synchronized tachi-ai.
What does nokotta literally mean?
It is the past form of nokoru, “to remain.” In a bout, it signals that both wrestlers remain alive in the contest and the decision has not yet occurred.
When does the referee say hakkiyoi?
It may be used before engagement or when the wrestlers become motionless and need to resume active sumo.
When does the referee say nokotta?
The gyōji repeats nokotta, nokotta while the wrestlers are actively moving and neither has yet lost.
What is a sumo referee called?
The official on the dohyō is called a gyōji. The role includes directing the bout, making the immediate decision, announcing wrestlers and winners, and other ceremonial and administrative duties.
Who calls the wrestlers’ names?
The melodic call that summons the wrestlers is made by the yobidashi. The gyōji also formally announces their names on the dohyō.
What does the referee say before a sumo match?
Depending on the moment, the gyōji may say mada mada, miawatte, jikan desu, or other prompts while managing the pre-bout preparation.
What does the referee say after a water break?
After the wrestlers are restored to their positions, the gyōji uses ii ka, ii ka before restarting the bout.
How does a gyōji announce the winner?
The gyōji points the gunbai toward the winning side and later calls the winner’s shikona in the kachi-nanori.
Can a sumo referee’s decision be changed?
Yes. Ringside judges can hold a mono-ii and uphold the decision, reverse it, or order a rematch.
Related Sumo Vocabulary
呼出し (yobidashi) — caller who summons the wrestlers
はっきよい (hakkiyoi) — energetic prompt to engage or continue
のこった (nokotta) — the match remains alive
立合い (tachi-ai) — the synchronized initial charge
待った (matta) — false start or stoppage
時間いっぱい (jikan ippai) — the preparation time is up
軍配 (gunbai) — fan used to indicate the decision
勝ち名乗り (kachi-nanori) — announcement of the winner
物言い (mono-ii) — ringside judges’ conference
取り直し (torinaoshi) — rematch
水入り (mizu-iri) — water break in an exceptionally long bout
1. The official form is はっきよい (hakkiyoi).
2. Hakkiyoi urges action; nokotta means the bout is still alive.
3. The wrestlers start together at the tachi-ai—there is no ordinary spoken “go.”
Hakkiyoi or Nokotta? 30-Second Check
Watching a bout and wondering which call you are hearing? Answer two quick questions.
Come on, put your spirit into it!
Still in, no decision yet!
The caller, not the referee.
The referee who calls hakkiyoi and nokotta.
※ Neither call means “Ready, set, go” – the wrestlers start the tachi-ai together, on their own timing.
Summary: Hakkeyoi Nokotta Meaning
The Japan Sumo Association writes the call as はっきよい. It encourages the wrestlers to act with energy and may be used when movement has stopped.
● Nokotta
Literally “remained.” It tells the wrestlers that both are still alive in the contest and the match has not yet been decided.
● Not “Ready, set, go”
Grand Sumo does not normally begin with a single spoken start command. The wrestlers synchronize the tachi-ai themselves.
● The speaker
The calls come from the gyōji, the official on the dohyō—not from the yobidashi who melodically summons the wrestlers.
● Etymology
The Japan Sumo Association interprets hakkiyoi through 発気揚々, while dictionaries record additional theories.
● Other calls
Mada mada, miawatte, jikan desu, ii ka ii ka, tōzai, and the winner’s kachi-nanori all belong to different moments of the sumo soundscape.
Hakkiyoi says, “Bring the action.” Nokotta says, “The action is still alive.”
References
- Japan Sumo Association: Correct form and use of はっきよい and のこった.
- Japan Sumo Association: 発気揚々 interpretation of はっきよい.
- Kotobank: はっけよい — dictionary meaning and competing etymological theories.
- Kotobank: 残った — dictionary explanation of the sumo call.
- Japan Sumo Association: No ordinary referee start signal and division preparation times.
- Japan Sumo Association: Meaning of 見合って.
- Japan Sumo Association: まだまだ and 時間です.
- Japan Sumo Association: いいか、いいか after mizu-iri.
- Japan Sumo Association: Mawashi-matta and restart procedure.
- Japan Sumo Association: Kachi-nanori.
- Japan Sumo Association: How a gyōji watches the finish and uses nokotta.
- Japan Sumo Association: Gyōji’s opening tōzai call.
- Japan Sumo Association: Yobidashi’s tōzai tōzai call.
- Japan Sumo Association: Kataya, konata, and formal two-call naming.
