Translation guide
Expresses a brief duration, a temporary state, or a short pause. Japanese uses several adverbial expressions depending on whether the action is momentary, the state is temporary, or the speaker is asking someone to wait briefly.
To say that an action happens or lasts for a very short time.
The most common and versatile way to say 'for a moment' or 'a little'. Can be used with verbs to indicate a short action.
Please wait for a moment.
Let me think for a moment.
Literally 'for a short interval'. Slightly more formal than ちょっと, often used in written or polite speech.
Please be quiet for a moment.
Means 'an instant' or 'a split second'. Emphasizes a very brief moment, often used for actions that happen in a flash.
Can mean 'for a while' or 'for a moment', but often implies a longer duration than ちょっと. Context-dependent.
To describe a state, feeling, or situation that lasts only for a short time.
Adverb meaning 'temporarily' or 'for a moment'. Used for states that are not permanent.
Politely asking someone to wait for a short time.
A polite, formal phrase used in customer service or business settings. Literally 'please wait a little'.
Describing a brief pause in speech or action, often due to hesitation or surprise.
While 瞬間 (しゅんかん) means 'moment', it is not used as an adverb like 'for a moment'. Use 一瞬 or ちょっとの間 instead.
For a moment, I saw his face.
ちょっと implies a very short time, often seconds. しばらく can mean 'for a moment' but often suggests a longer wait (minutes or more). In requests, 少々 is the most formal.
一瞬、何が起こったかわからなかった。
For a moment, I didn't understand what had happened.
しばらくお待ちください。
Please wait for a moment.
I lost consciousness for a moment.
The shop is closed for a moment / temporarily.
Used when someone does something unintentionally or momentarily, often with a sense of 'without thinking'.
I laughed for a moment (in spite of myself).
Indicates a sudden, momentary thought or action, often translated as 'for a moment' when describing a fleeting idea.
For a moment, I wondered.
Please wait for a moment.
Casual way to say 'wait a moment'. Used among friends or family. Can be softened with ね (ちょっと待ってね).
Wait for a moment, I'm coming.
Polite version of ちょっと待って. Suitable for most everyday situations.
Please wait for a moment. I'll be right back.
Similar to 一瞬, emphasizing a momentary pause. Often used in narratives.
For a moment, there was silence.
Casual way to say 'for a little while', often used when pausing an activity.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
Wait a sec.
Please wait for a while.