Attends
In French, the phrase "hold on" is expressed as Attends.
The verb used here is attendre, which is used both for the physical act of waiting and for the command to "hold on" or "wait" during a conversation. It is very common in French to naturalize the command by adding phrases like une minute or un instant after the verb.
Meaning: wait a minute (verb)
Which one should you use?
Attends is the informal version used for the command "hold on," whereas Attendez is the formal or plural version. If you are using the phrase to mean "hang in there" in an informal context, you might use Tiens bon instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Attendez is used instead of Attends when you are speaking to more than one person or when using the formal vous form.
Did you know?
- The verb attendre is a cognate of the English word 'attend', though in modern English 'attend' usually means to be present at an event rather than to wait.
- If you are 'holding on' to a physical object, such as a rope or a rail, you would not use Attends, but rather the verb Tenir, as if to say 'hold tight'.
- The word attendre can also mean 'to expect', meaning a sentence like J'attends un appel can mean both 'I am waiting for a call' and 'I expect a call'.
Examples in context
- Attends un peu !Hold on a minute.This sentence shows how to use Attends to say "hold on a minute."Tatoeba #1849920 by sacredceltic, translation #1839429 by CK
- Hé, attends une seconde.Hey, hold on a second.This sentence demonstrates a relaxed way to use Attends to say "hold on a second."Tatoeba #10624929 by lbdx, translation #3575394 by CK
- Attends une minute, s'il te plaît.Hold on a minute, please.This sentence provides a polite way to use Attends by adding "s'il te plaît."Tatoeba #128475 by sacredceltic, translation #267767 by CK
- Attendez un instant, s'il vous plaît. Je reviens vers vous.Hold on for a moment, please. I'll be right back to you.
- Veuillez patienter quelques instants, je vous prie.Please wait a few moments, if you don't mind.
- Ne quittez pas, s'il vous plaît. Je reviens tout de suite.Please hold the line. I'll be right back.
- Attends une seconde, je dois vérifier quelque chose.Hold on for a second, I need to check something.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are walking in the park.
- LucasAttends, Manon !Wait, Manon!
- ManonQu'est-ce qu'il y a ?What is it?
- LucasTu as oublié tes clés.You forgot your keys.
- ManonAh, merci beaucoup !Ah, thank you very much!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
