Translation guide
The English verb 'wait' can be expressed in Japanese through several verbs and phrases depending on what you are waiting for, the level of formality, and the nuance of anticipation or patience.
To stay in place or delay action until something happens or someone arrives.
The most common and general verb for 'wait'. Can be used for people, events, and things.
Please wait here.
バスを待っている。
I'm waiting for the bus.
Polite expression used in service contexts, announcements, or formal requests.
少々お待ちください。
Please wait a moment.
Casual way to say 'wait a sec'. Used among friends or in informal situations.
ちょっと待って、今行くから。
Wait a sec, I'm coming.
To look forward to something eagerly.
Literally 'wait in enjoyment'. Used when you are excited about a future event.
旅行を楽しみに待っています。
I'm looking forward to the trip.
To wait eagerly or anxiously, often for something important or long-awaited.
彼の帰りを心待ちにしている。
I'm eagerly awaiting his return.
To wait for someone to arrive or to meet them.
General verb, but often used with the particle を for the person.
友達を待っています。
I'm waiting for a friend.
To wait in a queue or for one's turn.
Literally 'wait for one's turn'. Common in contexts like lines, games, or appointments.
順番を待っている人がたくさんいます。
There are many people waiting for their turn.
To wait in line. Emphasizes the physical act of lining up.
レジに並んで待った。
I waited in line at the cash register.
To wait passively, often with a sense of killing time.
Still the basic verb, but context implies idleness.
何もせずに待っていた。
I waited without doing anything.
Idiom meaning to be stood up or to wait in vain for someone who doesn't show up.
彼は来なくて、待ちぼうけを食った。
He didn't come, so I was left waiting.
To wait on tables or serve customers.
To wait tables or serve food/drinks in a formal setting.
彼はレストランで給仕している。
He waits tables at a restaurant.
To serve customers, broader than just waiting tables; includes any customer service.
接客の仕事をしています。
I work in customer service.
The English phrase 'wait on' meaning to serve (e.g., wait on tables) is not translated with 待つ. Use 給仕する or 接客する instead.
彼はテーブルを待っている。
He is waiting for a table. (NOT 'He is waiting on tables.')
In casual conversation, Japanese often omits the subject and even the verb if context is clear. For example, just saying 'ちょっと待って' (Wait a sec) is more natural than '私は待っています'.
To arrange to meet someone at a specific time and place. Implies a planned meeting.
駅で待ち合わせましょう。
Let's meet at the station.