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How to Say ‘Waiting’ in Japanese

待って

matsu te

[maht teh]

💬 Usage Tip: [待って] is the [て] form of [待つ]. In phrases like [お待ちしております], this [て] links to the next verb; you'll also see the same pattern in [座ってください] and [少々お待ちください].

Phrase Breakdown

待っ

matsu

[maht]

wait

The stem of 待つ, meaning to wait. In reservations, it appears in polite requests like please wait.

Example

少々待ってください。

Please wait a moment.

te

[teh]

and / te-form ending

The て ending completes the te-form, used for requests or linking actions. Here it helps form 待って.

Example

こちらで待ってください。

Please wait here.

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