待ち構える
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待ち構える · ichidan verb
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 待ち構える | 待ち構えない |
| Polite | 待ち構えます | 待ち構えません |
| Past polite | 待ち構えました | 待ち構えませんでした |
| Past | 待ち構えた | 待ち構えなかった |
| Te-form | 待ち構えて | 待ち構えないで |
| Desire | 待ち構えたい | 待ち構えたくない |
| Potential | 待ち構えられるalso 待ち構えれる | 待ち構えられないalso 待ち構えれない |
| Passive | 待ち構えられる | 待ち構えられない |
| Causative | 待ち構えさせる | 待ち構えさせない |
| Causative passive | 待ち構えさせられる | 待ち構えさせられない |
| Volitional | 待ち構えよう | |
| Polite volitional | 待ち構えましょう | |
| Imperative | 待ち構えろ | 待ち構えるな |
| Conditional | 待ち構えれば | 待ち構えなければ |
| Tara conditional | 待ち構えたら | 待ち構えなかったら |
Meanings
1
ichidan verb, transitive verb
lie in wait for; be on the watch for; wait eagerly for
Implies waiting with readiness or anticipation, often for a person or event. Can be used for both literal ambush and figurative eager waiting.
The reporters were lying in wait for the prime minister's arrival.
She eagerly waits for the mail carrier every morning.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉で〈人〉を待ち構えるto lie in wait for someone at a place
The reporters were lying in wait for him outside the venue.
- 〈事〉が待ち構えているfor something (esp. a difficulty or challenge) to lie ahead, awaiting one
Many difficulties lie in wait ahead.
- 〈人〉の到着を待ち構えるto eagerly await someone's arrival
The fans were eagerly waiting for the star's arrival.