Translation guide
The ability to wait calmly or endure difficulties without complaint. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and verbs that emphasize perseverance, endurance, and composure.
The ability to wait without getting angry or upset.
The most common word for patience, implying endurance of something unpleasant. Often used in phrases like 'have patience' or 'be patient'.
もう少し我慢してください。
Please be patient a little longer.
彼は我慢強い人だ。
He is a patient person.
Similar to 我慢 but often implies enduring hardship over a longer period with a sense of perseverance. Slightly more formal.
辛抱強く待つことが大切です。
It's important to wait patiently.
Literally 'wait with a long spirit', meaning to wait patiently without rushing. Used for situations where you need to be easygoing.
結果を気長に待ちましょう。
Let's wait patiently for the results.
A more formal or literary term for patience, often used in contexts of enduring hardship or adversity.
忍耐力が必要だ。
Patience is necessary.
Describing someone's character as patient.
An adjective meaning 'patient' or 'persevering'. Commonly used to describe a person's nature.
彼女はとても我慢強い。
She is very patient.
Literally 'long-spirited', meaning patient and easygoing. Often used in contrast to 気が短い (short-tempered).
Expressing that someone has run out of patience.
Literally 'the limit of patience'. Used when someone can no longer endure something.
もう我慢の限界だ。
I've reached my limit of patience.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'the string of one's patience bag snaps', i.e., to lose one's temper after enduring for a long time.
ついに堪忍袋の緒が切れた。
Finally, my patience snapped.
Politely asking someone to wait or be patient.
A polite way to say 'please wait a moment'. Commonly used in customer service.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment.
A more formal way to ask for a little more patience, meaning 'please wait a little longer'.
今しばらくお待ちください。
Please be patient a little longer.
我慢 (がまん) is the most common and covers everyday patience and endurance. 辛抱 (しんぼう) implies long-term perseverance and is slightly more formal. 忍耐 (にんたい) is formal/literary and often used in contexts of enduring adversity or as a virtue.
The English loanword ペイシェンス is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to native Japanese terms.
これには我慢できない。
I don't have the patience for this.
Similar to 我慢強い but with a nuance of enduring over time. Slightly more formal.
辛抱強い性格です。
I have a patient personality.
彼は気が長いから、待つのが苦にならない。
He's patient, so waiting doesn't bother him.