What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the number um (one) and the noun momento (moment).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While Um momento is a standard way to ask someone to wait, you can use more formal or informal variations depending on the situation. For a formal context, you might say Poderia aguardar um instante? (Could you wait for a moment?) or use Um momento, por favor. (One moment, please.). In informal settings, you can say Um segundo (One second) or Só um minutinho, por favor. (Just a little moment, please.). For very colloquial speech, you might hear Me dá só um segundo? (Can you give me just a second?) or Aguenta aí um pouquinho, tá? (Hold on for a little while, okay?).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because momento is a masculine noun, the indefinite article must be the masculine form um rather than the feminine uma.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈũ moˈmẽ.tu/
Did you know?
- The word momento shares its Latin root with the English word 'momentum', originally describing a physical weight or a moving impulse.
- In very colloquial Portuguese, the phrase Aguenta aí can be used to tell someone to wait, which literally means 'hold it' or 'endure it'.
- In Brazil, if someone says Só um minutinho, you might actually wait several minutes, as the diminutive suffix is used more for politeness than for accuracy.
Examples in context
- Só um momento, por favor.Just one moment, please.This sentence shows how to use Um momento with a polite request.Tatoeba #5143534 by ToinhoAlam, translation #2891671 by CK
- Você nos daria licença um momento?Would you excuse us one moment?This sentence demonstrates using Um momento to ask for someone's indulgence or excuse.Tatoeba #6216485 by weyung, translation #3168065 by CK
- Um momento apenas de minha vida bastou para te conhecer e te amar, mas a minha vida inteira não será suficiente para conseguir te esquecer.Only one moment of my life was enough to get to know and love you, but all my life will not be enough to get to forget you.This sentence shows the use of Um momento in a poetic or descriptive context regarding time.Tatoeba #8999314 by carlosalberto, translation #1160688 by Eldad
- Um momento, estou ocupado agora.One moment, I am busy right now.
- Dá só um segundo, deixe-me terminar isso primeiro.Just give me a second, let me finish this first.
Example conversation
Gabriel is trying to leave the house, but Juliana needs him to stay a second.
- JulianaUm momento, Gabriel!One moment, Gabriel!
- GabrielO que foi, Juliana?What is it, Juliana?
- JulianaVocê esqueceu as chaves.You forgot the keys.
- GabrielAh, obrigado por avisar.Ah, thanks for letting me know.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (um, momento) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries momento, um, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
