Translation guide
The English phrase "hold on" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: asking someone to wait, physically gripping something, enduring a difficult situation, and a few other idiomatic uses. Each meaning is presented with natural Japanese equivalents and examples.
Asking someone to wait briefly, or to pause what they are doing.
The most common and natural way to say "hold on" when asking someone to wait. Casual but polite enough for most situations.
ちょっと待って、今行くから。
Hold on, I'm coming now.
A polite, formal way to say "hold on" or "please wait a moment." Used in business or customer service settings.
少々お待ちください。担当者をお呼びします。
Hold on, please. I'll get the person in charge.
A very casual, shortened form of ちょっと待って. Used among close friends or family.
待って、忘れ物した！
Hold on, I forgot something!
Physically holding onto something, gripping it tightly.
To hold on in a difficult situation, to endure or keep going.
Asking someone to hold the line during a phone call.
Standard polite phrase used on the phone to ask someone to hold. Literally "please wait as you are."
そのままお待ちください。お繋ぎします。
Hold on, please. I'll put you through.
To hold on to something, to keep it rather than giving it away or losing it.
The English phrase "hold on" is highly idiomatic. Translating it word-for-word into Japanese (e.g., 上に持つ) will not convey the intended meaning. Always choose the Japanese expression that matches the specific context.
The dictionary form 待つ (matsu) means "to wait" in a general sense. The te-form 待って (matte) is used as a casual request "wait!" or "hold on." Adding ちょっと (chotto) makes it softer and more natural.
ちょっと待ってください。
Please wait a moment.
Intransitive verb meaning to hold onto something for support, like a handrail or strap. Often used in the te-form 掴まって.
電車が揺れるから、吊り革に掴まって。
The train is shaking, so hold on to the strap.
Transitive verb meaning to grip or grasp something in one's hand. Implies a firm hold.
ハンドルをしっかり握ってください。
Please hold on to the steering wheel tightly.
General verb meaning to hold or carry. Can be used for holding onto objects, but less specific than 掴まる or 握る.
この荷物、ちょっと持っててくれる？
Can you hold on to this luggage for a moment?
The most common verb for "hold on" in the sense of persevering or doing one's best. Often used as encouragement.
もう少し頑張って！あと少しで終わるよ。
Hold on a little longer! It's almost over.
Means to endure, bear, or withstand something unpleasant. More formal and serious than 頑張る.
この痛みに耐えなければならない。
I have to hold on through this pain.
Literally "hold and endure," meaning to hold out or last. Often used for supplies, strength, or in sports.
食料があと一週間は持ちこたえるだろう。
The food supplies will hold on for another week.
Also used on the phone, same as the general "wait" meaning. Very common in business calls.
少々お待ちください。確認いたします。
Hold on, please. I'll check.
Means to keep or set aside for later. Commonly used for objects or information.
この書類は取っておいてください。
Please hold on to these documents.
Literally "hold and keep," meaning to keep something in one's possession.
念のため、傘を持っておいたほうがいいよ。
Just in case, you should hold on to an umbrella.