Translation guide
The English phrase 'a minute' can refer to a unit of time (60 seconds), a very short period, or an exact moment. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
Referring to exactly 60 seconds as a measurement of time.
The standard counter for minutes. Pronunciation changes depending on the number: いっぷん (1 minute), にふん (2 minutes), さんぷん (3 minutes), etc.
1分待ってください。
Please wait a minute.
あと5分で着きます。
I'll arrive in five minutes.
Expressing a brief, indefinite period, like 'just a moment' or 'a little while'.
A versatile word meaning 'a little' or 'a short time'. Often used when asking someone to wait briefly.
ちょっと待って。
Wait a minute. (casual)
ちょっと考えさせてください。
Let me think for a minute.
A formal equivalent of ちょっと, used in business or polite settings.
Literally 'for a short while'. Used when emphasizing the brevity of an action or state.
少しの間、目を閉じてください。
Close your eyes for a minute.
Means 'an instant' or 'a split second'. Stronger than 'a minute' but can be used for very brief moments.
Referring to a specific instant when something happens, like 'the minute (that)...'.
Pattern meaning 'the moment (something happened)'. Attach to past tense verb.
彼を見た瞬間に、誰だかわかった。
The minute I saw him, I knew who he was.
Formal/literary pattern meaning 'as soon as'. Attach to dictionary form of verb.
彼は家に着くや否や、電話をかけた。
The minute he got home, he made a phone call.
Similar to や否や, but slightly more colloquial. Attach to dictionary form.
ベルが鳴るが早いか、生徒たちは教室を飛び出した。
The minute the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom.
When 'a minute' means a short, indefinite time, using 1分 (いっぷん) can sound too precise or unnatural. Use ちょっと or 少しの間 instead.
ちょっと手伝ってくれない？
Can you help me for a minute?
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment. (formal)
一瞬、何が起こったかわからなかった。
For a minute, I didn't know what had happened.