秒読み

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 秒読み, read びょうよみ, and it combines 秒, meaning second, with 読み, meaning reading or counting aloud.
• Basic usage: The basic senses of 秒読み are a literal countdown in seconds and the final stage before an event occurs.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal counting and figurative imminence
  • Both examples use the form 秒読み. The first is an actual spoken countdown; the second figuratively means that the store opening is very close.
• Operating a device and preparing to open
  • 係員の秒読みに合わせて装置を動かした。 — We operated the device in time with the attendant's countdown.
  • 新しい店の開業はいよいよ秒読みの段階に入った。 — The opening of the new store has finally entered the countdown stage.