🧑‍🤝‍🧑⏳

How to Say ‘My friend is waiting’ in Japanese

友だちが待っている

tomodachi ga matsu te iru

[toh-moh-dah-chee ga mat te eeru]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Mentioning a waiting friend is a common, face-saving way to wrap up a chat in Japan. Take it as a polite goodbye and don't press.

Phrase Breakdown

友だちが

tomodachi ga

my friend

友だち (tomodachi) means 'friend'. が marks the subject.

Example

友だちが来ました。

My friend came.

Words in this phrase

友だち

tomodachi

[toh-moh-dah-chee]

friend

A common word for “friend.” Often used when inviting someone to get closer socially.

Example

音楽の話ができる友だちがほしい。

I want friends I can talk about music with.

が

[ga]

subject marker

A particle marking the subject of the sentence.

Example

興味がある分野を教えてください。

Please tell me the field you are interested in.

待っている

matsu te iru

is waiting

From 待つ ('to wait'). ている shows an ongoing action. Pause at the small っ: 'mat-te iru'.

Example

駅で待っている。

I'm waiting at the station.

Words in this phrase

待っ

matsu

[mat]

wait

The verb meaning to wait or stay somewhere.

Example

バスを待っている。

Waiting for the bus.

て

[te]

te-form ending

Connects actions in sequence, like 'and' or 'then'.

Example

ドアが開いて、入ります。

The door opens, and then I go in.

いる

iru

[eeru]

is doing

いる after て can show an ongoing action or current state.

Example

応援しているの？のいるで今の状態を表します。

The いる in 応援しているの？ shows the current ongoing state.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager