Translation guide
The English word 'pause' can refer to a temporary stop in action, speech, or a deliberate break. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 一時停止 (ichiji teishi) for general pauses, but the best choice depends on context: whether it's a break in conversation, a video you've paused, or a moment of silence.
There was a long pause.
To temporarily stop an ongoing action, process, or movement, with the intention to resume later.
The most direct and common translation for 'pause' as a temporary stop. Used for machines, videos, games, and formal contexts.
Please pause the video.
Implies interruption or suspension, often for a longer or more significant break. Used for meetings, projects, or broadcasts.
Often used for temporary suspension of services or operations, like a train line or a subscription. More formal.
A brief silence or hesitation while speaking, or a deliberate pause for effect.
Specifically referring to the action of pausing media or a device.
The most straightforward way to say 'press the pause button'.
A pause from work or activity to rest.
General word for a break or rest, often used in work or study contexts.
The loanword ポーズ is casual and mainly used for media controls. In formal writing or speech, use 一時停止 or 中断.
間 (ま) is a neutral or positive pause, often intentional. 沈黙 (ちんもく) implies silence, which can be awkward or heavy. Use 間 for natural speech pauses.
I pause the game.
会議を中断しましょう。
Let's pause the meeting.
Suspend operations (pause service).
Pauses in conversation are important.
He paused before starting to speak.
Means 'silence', often a longer or more awkward pause in conversation.
An awkward pause/silence fell over them.
Literally 'cut one's words', meaning to pause briefly while speaking.
He paused to think.
Please press the pause button.
Loanword from English, commonly used in casual contexts for pausing media, especially among younger people.
Pause it for a sec.
Let's take a 10-minute pause/break.
Literally 'one breath', meaning a short pause or breather.
Let's take a short pause.