Welcome to our guide on how to say “wait” in Japanese! Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply interested in learning the language, knowing how to effectively communicate your need to wait is essential. In this article, we will explore the different ways to express “wait” in Japanese, provide translations, and discuss the contextual and cultural usage of the word.
Understanding how to say “wait” in Japanese is vital for navigating various social situations and demonstrating proper etiquette. By incorporating these phrases into your conversations, you’ll be able to communicate effectively in Japan and make a positive impression.
What is “wait” in Japanese
The Japanese word for “wait” is まつ (matsu | 待つ). It is an (u)-verb, which means it follows regular conjugation rules. This verb is commonly used and relatively simple to learn. Its kanji character is at N5 level, making it one of the basic characters in the language.
When conjugating the verb まつ (matsu) in different tenses, you simply change the ending based on the desired form. Here is a table showing the conjugation of まつ (matsu) in different tenses:
| Verb Form | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Present | まちます (machimasu) |
| Past | まちました (machimashita) |
| Te-Form | まって (matte) |
| Negative Form | まちません (machimasen) |
Now that we know the basic form of “wait” in Japanese, let’s explore the different ways to say it in various situations.
Different ways to say wait in Japanese
In Japanese, there are various ways to express “wait” depending on the level of formality. Let’s explore some different expressions for “please wait” in Japanese:
| Formality Level | Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | おまちください (omachi kudasai | お待ちください) | Please wait |
| Common/Versatile | うんてんまえにくるまはきれいになるのをまってください (unten mae ni kuruma ha kireininaru no wo matte kudasai | 運転前に車はきれいになるのを待ってください) | Please wait for the car to be cleaned before driving |
| Casual | ちょっとまって (chotto matte | ちょっと待って) | Wait a minute |
These expressions cover a range of situations and levels of politeness, allowing you to effectively communicate your need to wait in Japanese. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the context and the level of formality required.
Note: The provided image showcases a visually appealing representation of different ways to say “wait” in Japanese, highlighting the cultural elements associated with each expression.
The meaning of まってて (mattete) in Japanese
The expression まってて (mattete) is a shorthand version of the continuous action form of the verb まつ (matsu｜待つ). It means “be waiting.” This form is commonly used between friends and can imply “wait here (for a bit), and someone or something will be with you shortly.” It can also be used as a casual way to say “be right back (brb).”
The verb まつ (matsu｜待つ) belongs to the group of (u)-verbs in Japanese. These verbs follow regular conjugation rules and are relatively simple to learn. The hiragana for まつ is まっ（て）. Here is the conjugation table for the verb まつ in its continuous action form:
| Verb Type | Group | Conjugation |
|---|---|---|
| 待つ | (u)-verb | まって |
In the continuous action form, simply add て (te) to the verb stem まっ (ma’). It becomes まって (matte), which can be further contracted to まってて (mattete).
How to say “wait” as a command in Japanese
The command form of “wait” in Japanese is まちなさい (machi nasai | 待ちなさい). This form is primarily used when addressing children or expressing authority or impatience. The なさい (nasai) form follows the ます (masu) form of the verb and reflects a strong command. It can also be preceded by the honorific お (o) to make it a very polite command.
Can you use おねがいします (onegaishimasu) instead of ください (kudasai)?
When it comes to asking someone to wait in Japanese, the commonly used phrase is ください (kudasai). While おねがいします (onegaishimasu) is a common honorific expression, it is not typically used in this context and may sound unusual. It is important to follow commonly-observed expressions to avoid sounding like an uninformed foreigner.
In Japanese, ください (kudasai) is the go-to phrase for requesting someone to wait. It is a polite and commonly used expression that shows respect towards the person you are addressing. On the other hand, おねがいします (onegaishimasu) is more commonly used when making requests or expressing desires in a general sense. It is not typically used as a substitute for ください (kudasai) when asking someone to wait specifically.
By using the appropriate expressions and adhering to Japanese language norms, you can effectively communicate and avoid any misunderstandings. It is always beneficial to become familiar with commonly used phrases and honorific expressions to navigate social situations with ease.
| Phrase | Usage |
|---|---|
| ください (kudasai) | Used to politely ask someone to wait |
| おねがいします (onegaishimasu) | Commonly used for making requests or expressing desires |
Other words that mean “wait” in Japanese
In addition to まつ (matsu), there are other words in Japanese that can express the concept of “wait” in specific contexts. These include:
待機にする (taiki ni suru | to standby)
This phrase is used to convey the idea of waiting in a standby or ready state. It can be used in situations where you are waiting for further instructions or for something to happen before taking action.
急を出来ない (kyuu wo dekinai | it can wait)
This expression is used to indicate that something can wait and does not require immediate attention. It implies that there is no urgency and that it can be postponed or dealt with at a later time.
待ち遠しくてたまらない (machidoushikute tamaranai | absolutely can’t wait)
This phrase conveys a sense of excitement and anticipation. It expresses the feeling of eagerly waiting for something and not being able to contain one’s excitement or impatience.
While these expressions are not as commonly used as まつ (matsu), they can be helpful to know in certain situations where you want to convey a specific nuance of waiting. Learning these additional words will broaden your understanding of how to express the concept of “wait” in Japanese.
Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to say “wait” in Japanese is crucial for effective communication in Japan. The Japanese language places great importance on formality and politeness, and using the appropriate expressions can help navigate various social situations with ease. By incorporating these phrases into your everyday interactions, you can enhance your communication skills and build strong relationships with Japanese speakers.
Understanding the nuances of “wait” in Japanese allows you to convey politeness and respect. Whether it’s using the formal expression “おまちください (omachi kudasai)” or the more casual “ちょっとまって (chotto matte),” tailoring your language to the context shows cultural sensitivity and helps foster positive interactions.
Effective communication is key not only in daily interactions but also in professional settings. Mastering the art of waiting in Japanese will enable you to navigate business meetings, negotiations, and other formal events with confidence. By demonstrating your understanding of Japanese etiquette, you can leave a lasting impression and build strong business relationships.
In summary, the ability to use “wait” in Japanese in various social situations is a valuable skill. By understanding and mastering the different expressions, you can enhance your communication, show respect for Japanese culture, and foster meaningful connections. Embrace the language’s nuances, practice, and observe how using these phrases opens doors to effective communication and deeper understanding in Japan.