間まを取とる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

pause; take a beat; leave a moment

Used when intentionally inserting a pause in conversation, performance, or action to create rhythm or effect.

• 話はなすときは、大だい事じなポイントの前まえで間まを取とると効こう果か的てきだ。

  When speaking, it's effective to pause before important points.

• 彼かれは一いち呼こ吸きゅう、間まを取とってから答こたえ始はじめた。

  He paused for a breath before starting to answer.