Translation guide
The English word 'seconds' can refer to a unit of time, a short duration, or a second helping of food. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To express the unit of time equal to 1/60 of a minute.
The standard word for 'second' as a unit of time. Used with numbers to specify a duration or point in time.
To express a brief moment or an instant, often used informally.
To ask for or offer an additional serving of food.
The standard word for a second helping of food, especially rice. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to have seconds'.
Do not translate 'wait a second' literally as 一秒待って (いちびょうまって). This sounds unnatural. Use ちょっと待って (casual) or 少々お待ちください (formal) instead.
あと10秒で始まります。
It will start in 10 seconds.
彼は100メートルを11秒で走った。
He ran 100 meters in 11 seconds.
A common casual way to say 'a moment' or 'a little while'. Often used when asking someone to wait briefly.
ちょっと待ってください。
Wait a second, please.
A more formal equivalent of ちょっと, used in business or polite contexts.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment.
Literally 'one instant', used to describe something that happens in a split second.
一瞬で消えた。
It disappeared in a second.
Means 'immediately' or 'right away', often used when promising to do something quickly.
すぐに戻ります。
I'll be back in a second.
おかわりはいかがですか？
Would you like seconds?
ご飯をおかわりした。
I had seconds of rice.
Literally 'one more cup/bowl', used for drinks or foods served in bowls. Often used with いかがですか for offering.
コーヒーをもう一杯いかがですか？
Would you like a second cup of coffee?