“To wait” in Japanese is 待つ (まつ), pronounced matsu.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To wait. ちょっと待ってください is one of the most useful phrases in Japanese.
Example sentences
- ちょっと待ってください。ちょっとまってください。Please wait a moment.
- 駅で友達を待っています。えきでともだちをまっています。I’m waiting for a friend at the station.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 待つ. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 待つ まつ | wait |
| Polite present | 待ちます まちます | wait |
| Polite negative | 待ちません まちません | don’t wait |
| Polite past | 待ちました まちました | past of “wait” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 待たない またない | don’t wait (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 待った まった | past of “wait” (casual) |
| て-form | 待って まって | wait and… / please wait (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 待ちたい まちたい | want to wait |
Quick practice
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What does {{待つ}} mean?
How do you read {{待つ}}?
Which word means “to meet”?
Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to wait in Japanese?
To wait in Japanese is 待つ (まつ), pronounced “matsu”.
How do you write to wait in Japanese?
It's written 待つ with kanji, or まつ in hiragana. Both are read matsu.
Is 待つ on the JLPT?
Yes. 待つ (matsu) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.