Translation guide
The concept of waiting in Japanese is expressed through various verbs, nouns, and set phrases depending on formality, patience, and context. The most common equivalent is 待つ (matsu), but other expressions convey anticipation, looking forward to something, or waiting on someone.
To express the act of waiting for a person, event, or thing in a neutral or informal context.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to wait'. Used in everyday conversation.
友達を待っています。
I'm waiting for a friend.
ここで待ってて。
Wait here.
Polite way to ask someone to wait. Common in customer service.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment.
Formal term for 'standing by' or being on standby, often used in technical or military contexts.
スタッフは待機しています。
The staff are on standby.
To express anticipation or eagerness about a future event.
Literally 'to wait in enjoyment', used to say you are looking forward to something.
旅行を楽しみに待っています。
I'm looking forward to the trip.
An adjective meaning 'can't wait' or 'long-awaited'. Expresses impatience in a positive way.
夏休みが待ち遠しい。
I can't wait for summer vacation.
To express attending to or serving a customer or guest.
General term for serving customers or dealing with clients.
彼女は接客が上手です。
She is good at waiting on customers.
Specifically refers to waiting tables or serving food and drinks.
パーティーで給仕をした。
I waited tables at the party.
To refer to the concept or duration of waiting.
Waiting time, as in a queue or before an appointment.
待ち時間はどのくらいですか？
How long is the waiting time?
Standby time, often used in technical or operational contexts.
システムの待機時間を短縮する。
Reduce the system's waiting time.
The English phrase 'wait on' meaning to serve (e.g., wait on tables) is not translated with 待つ. Use 接客する or 給仕する instead.
彼はレストランで給仕している。
He waits on tables at a restaurant.
The te-form + 待つ is used to express 'wait for someone to do something'. For example, 彼が来るのを待つ (wait for him to come).