Translation guide
The English verb 'await' means to wait for something expected. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 待つ (matsu), but the natural expression depends on what is being awaited and the level of formality. This guide covers how to express 'await' in various contexts, from casual waiting to formal anticipation.
To stay in place or delay action until a person, event, or thing arrives or happens.
The most common and general verb for 'wait' or 'await'. Can be used for people, events, and things. Transitive, takes the particle を.
友達を待っています。
I'm awaiting my friend.
バスを待つ。
I'll wait for the bus.
To eagerly await or look forward to something. Implies anticipation and hope.
春を待ち望む。
I eagerly await spring.
To be ready and waiting for someone or something, often with a nuance of preparedness or lying in wait. Can be used for challenges or opportunities.
困難が彼を待ち受けている。
Difficulties await him.
Used in formal announcements, letters, or literature to indicate that something is expected or will be provided.
A very polite and humble way to say 'we are awaiting' or 'we look forward to'. Common in business and customer service.
ご連絡をお待ちしております。
We await your contact.
Literally 'only waiting for ~', used to express that everything is ready and only one thing remains to be awaited.
準備は整い、あとは結果を待つばかりだ。
Preparations are complete, and now we only await the results.
To stand by or be on standby, often used in official or military contexts. Implies readiness to act.
部隊は出動命令を待機している。
The troops are awaiting orders to deploy.
To wait for an official decision, verdict, or outcome, often in legal or formal contexts.
Standard phrase for 'await a verdict/judgment'.
被告は判決を待っている。
The defendant is awaiting the verdict.
To seek or await a judgment, often from a higher authority. Literally 'look up to a judgment'.
最終的な判断は委員会の審判を仰ぐことになる。
The final decision will await the committee's judgment.
To indicate that an unpleasant fate, punishment, or consequence is in store for someone.
A common pattern meaning '~ awaits' or '~ is in store'. Often used for negative outcomes.
彼には厳しい現実が待っている。
A harsh reality awaits him.
失敗すれば破滅が待っている。
If you fail, ruin awaits.
English 'await' is often more formal than 'wait for'. In Japanese, 待つ covers both casual and formal waiting. Using overly literary equivalents like 待ち受ける in everyday speech can sound unnatural. Stick to 待つ unless you need a specific nuance.
待つ is the dictionary form and can sound like a general statement or future intention. 待っている (te-iru form) is more common for ongoing actions ('I am waiting'). In many contexts where English uses 'await', the progressive 待っている is more natural.
彼女を待っている。
I'm awaiting her.
驚きがあなたを待っています。
A surprise awaits you.
Literal translation; more naturally expressed as サプライズがあります (There is a surprise).
To lie in wait, often for an ambush or to catch someone. Implies a more active, sometimes hostile, waiting.
敵が待ち構えている。
The enemy lies in wait (awaits).