How to Say ‘Please wait a moment.’ in Japanese
すこしおまちください。
sukoshi o machi kudasai
[skoo-koh-shee oh mah-chee koo-dah-sigh]
💬 Usage Tip: [すこしおまちください] is a classic waiter phrase meaning “Please wait a moment.” It is softer and more natural than just [おまちください]. Great for highlighting the menu while checking something.
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is exactly the kind of phrase you hear when staff are confirming an order, checking availability, or bringing a recommended menu item. In Japan, polite cushioning like [すこし] helps service feel smooth and friendly.
Phrase Breakdown
すこし
sukoshi
[skoo-koh-shee]
a little; a moment
Used here to mean for a moment, making the request gentler and more polite.
すこしおまちください。
Please wait a moment.
おまちください
o machi kudasai
please wait
A polite request form of 待つ, commonly used in shops and service situations.
ここでお待ちください。
Please wait here.
Words in this phrase
お
o
[oh]
honorific prefix
Adds politeness to the following word, which is common when speaking to customers.
おまちください。
Please wait.
まち
machi
[mah-chee]
waiting
Refers to waiting; together with the polite prefix and request form, it becomes a standard waiter expression.
おまちください。
Please wait.
ください
kudasai
[koo-dah-sigh]
please
Makes the phrase into a polite request to the customer.
すこしおまちください。
Please wait a moment.
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