Translation guide
How to express the idea of temporarily stopping or delaying something in Japanese, depending on the context.
To pause or suspend something with the intention of resuming later.
The most direct and common way to say 'put on hold', used for decisions, plans, or issues.
その件は保留にしましょう。
Let's put that matter on hold.
To place a caller on hold during a phone conversation.
The standard phrase for putting a call on hold.
少々お待ちください。保留にします。
Please wait a moment. I'll put you on hold.
To postpone making a decision or forming an opinion.
Specifically for reserving judgment.
今は判断を保留します。
I'll put my judgment on hold for now.
保留 (horyū) means putting something on hold without a set time to resume, while 延期 (enki) means postponing to a specific later date.
会議は延期になりました。
The meeting has been postponed.
その提案は保留中です。
That proposal is on hold.
I'm putting my answer on hold.
Literally 'temporary stop', used for services, operations, or processes.
工事を一時停止します。
We will put the construction on hold temporarily.
Literally 'put on the shelf', used for shelving a project or plan indefinitely.
その計画は棚上げになりました。
That plan has been put on hold.
Humble expression meaning 'to keep someone waiting', often used when putting a caller on hold.
お待たせして申し訳ございません。
I'm sorry to have kept you waiting (on hold).
To postpone a conclusion, often with a nuance of procrastination.
結論を先延ばしにしないでください。
Don't put off the conclusion.