Translation guide
The English phrase 'wait for' is used to express awaiting someone or something, or delaying action until a condition is met. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 待つ (matsu), but the exact expression depends on what is being waited for and the level of politeness. This guide covers natural ways to express 'wait for' in various contexts.
To express that someone is waiting for a specific person, object, or occurrence.
The most common and versatile verb for 'wait for'. The object being waited for is marked with を.
I'm waiting for a friend.
I waited for the bus.
Honorific form of 待つ, used when the person waiting is someone you respect.
The company president is waiting in the lobby.
To express waiting until something happens or a state is reached.
Pattern: verb (dictionary form) + のを待つ. Used to say 'wait for (someone/something) to do something'.
To express waiting in line or for one's chance.
Literally 'wait for one's turn'. The most natural way to say 'wait in line' or 'wait for one's turn'.
To express delaying an action or decision.
Means 'to put off until later' or 'to postpone'. Often used when prioritizing other tasks.
English speakers sometimes try to use ために (tame ni) to mean 'for the purpose of waiting', but this is incorrect. ために expresses purpose or benefit, not the object of waiting. Use を待つ instead.
wait for a friend
待つ is general 'wait for'. 待ち合わせる specifically means 'to meet up by arrangement'. Use 待ち合わせる when you have a planned meeting time and place.
Specifically means 'to arrange to meet' or 'to wait for each other at a meeting point'. Used when people plan to meet up.
Let's meet at the station.
I'm waiting for him to come.
I waited for the rain to stop.
Pattern: time/event + まで待つ. Means 'wait until (a specific time or event)'.
I'll wait until 5 o'clock.
Please wait until he returns.
Formal term meaning 'to stand by' or 'to be on standby'. Used in technical, military, or business contexts.
Please stand by until you receive instructions.
There are many people waiting for their turn.
Means 'to wait in line'. Emphasizes the physical act of lining up.
I waited in line to buy a ticket.
Let's put that problem off for now.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to call a halt' or 'to put a stop to something temporarily'. Used when someone wants to pause a process.
He put a hold on the plan.
駅で友達と待ち合わせた。
I met up with a friend at the station.