Translation guide
The English word 'seconds' can refer to a unit of time, a short duration, or a second helping of food. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To express the unit of time equal to 1/60 of a minute.
The standard word for 'second' as a unit of time. Used with numbers to specify a duration or point in time.
To express a brief moment or an instant, often used informally.
A common casual way to say 'a moment' or 'a little while'. Often used when asking someone to wait briefly.
To ask for or offer an additional serving of food.
The standard word for a second helping of food, especially rice. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to have seconds'.
Do not translate 'wait a second' literally as 一秒待って (いちびょうまって). This sounds unnatural. Use ちょっと待って (casual) or 少々お待ちください (formal) instead.
It will start in 10 seconds.
He ran 100 meters in 11 seconds.
Wait a second, please.
A more formal equivalent of ちょっと, used in business or polite contexts.
Please wait a moment.
Literally 'one instant', used to describe something that happens in a split second.
It disappeared in a second.
Means 'immediately' or 'right away', often used when promising to do something quickly.
I'll be back in a second.
Would you like seconds?
I had seconds of rice.
Literally 'one more cup/bowl', used for drinks or foods served in bowls. Often used with いかがですか for offering.
Would you like a second cup of coffee?