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.
ちょっと待ってください。
Please wait for a moment.
ちょっと考えさせてください。
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.
少しの間、静かにしてください。
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.
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.
Can mean 'for a while' or 'for a moment', but often implies a longer duration than ちょっと. Context-dependent.
しばらくお待ちください。
Please wait for a moment.
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.
一時的に気を失った。
I lost consciousness for a moment.
その店は一時的に閉まっている。
The shop is closed for a moment / temporarily.
Used when someone does something unintentionally or momentarily, often with a sense of 'without thinking'.
つい笑ってしまった。
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.
ふと疑問に思った。
For a moment, I wondered.
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'.
少々お待ちください。
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).
ちょっと待って、今行くから。
Wait for a moment, I'm coming.
Polite version of ちょっと待って. Suitable for most everyday situations.
ちょっと待ってください。すぐ戻ります。
Please wait for a moment. I'll be right back.
Describing a brief pause in speech or action, often due to hesitation or surprise.
Similar to 一瞬, emphasizing a momentary pause. Often used in narratives.
一瞬間、沈黙が流れた。
For a moment, there was silence.
Casual way to say 'for a little while', often used when pausing an activity.
ちょっとの間、目を閉じた。
I closed my eyes for a moment.
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.
一瞬、彼の顔が見えた。
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.
ちょっと待って。
Wait a sec.
しばらくお待ちください。
Please wait for a while.