How to Say ‘Thanks for waiting!’ in Japanese
お待たせ！
o mata se
[oh MAH-tah seh]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Vendors say this when handing over food, even after a short wait. It's the casual form of お待たせしました, which you'd hear in restaurants.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix used in polite expressions
The polite prefix お makes the following word sound more courteous.
お願いできますか。
Could you please do that?
待た
mata
[MAH-tah]
wait (stem)
Stem of 待つ (to wait) used before the causative ending.
友達を待たせました。
I kept my friend waiting.
せ
se
[seh]
make/let (causative)
Causative ending: to have someone do something.
子どもを休ませます。
I'll keep my child home.
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 LessonWhat 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