How to Say ‘Thank you for waiting.’ in Japanese
お待たせしました。
o mata se shi mashi ta
[oh mah-tah seh shee mah-shee tah]
💬 Usage Tip: A super common polite phrase in Japan. [お待たせしました] literally means "I made you wait," but in natural English it is "Thank you for waiting" or "Sorry to keep you waiting." You will hear it at ward offices, clinics, and shops.
🇯🇵 In Japan: At a ward office, staff often say [お待たせしました] when calling you back to the counter. It is polite and routine, so do not worry if the process feels slow—this phrase is part of good customer service.
Phrase Breakdown
お
o
[oh]
polite prefix
A polite prefix often added to words or verb forms to make the expression more respectful.
お名前をお願いします。
Your name, please.
待た
mata
[mah-tah]
wait (stem)
From 待つ, meaning to wait. In this phrase it is part of お待たせしました, a polite apology for making someone wait.
少し待たせてしまいました。
I ended up making you wait a little.
せ
se
[seh]
make/let (part of causative form)
This kana is part of the causative pattern in 待たせる, meaning to make someone wait.
お待たせしました。
Thank you for waiting / Sorry to keep you waiting.
し
shi
[shee]
do (part of します)
This kana is part of する in its polite past form しました.
住所を確認しました。
I confirmed the address.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
did (polite, part of ました)
Part of the polite past ending ました, used to speak politely about completed actions.
手続きを終えました。
I finished the procedure.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
Marks the action as completed in polite past expressions like ました.
申請書を出した。
I submitted the application form.
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 speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
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 scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“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