Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| мину́точку | minútočku |
| секу́ндочку | sekúndočku |
These terms are used as interjections to tell someone to stop or wait.
What does it mean word for word?
мину́точку is the diminutive form of the word for minute, literally meaning "one little minute". Similarly, секу́ндочку is the diminutive form of the word for second, literally meaning "one little second".
Which one should you use?
While both expressions mean "one moment", секу́ндочку (one little second) is often used to imply that the wait will be even shorter than мину́точку (one little minute).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The use of the diminutive suffix in these words makes them sound softer and more polite than using the standard words for minute or second. мину́точку can be used among friends or family to mean "just a moment". For strictly formal occasions, you might instead use the phrase Прошу подождать (please wait) or the more formal Одну минуту (one minute).
How does it change in a sentence?
Both мину́точку and секу́ндочку are in the accusative case. In these instances, they serve as elliptical expressions for the phrase "wait for one moment".
How do you pronounce it?
minútočku
Did you know?
- In a high-pressure formal environment, such as a business meeting, using мину́точку could actually be seen as too casual or 'cute' because of its diminutive nature.
- The choice between these words often depends more on how much 'social space' you want to take up rather than how much time you actually need.
- Using секу́ндочку can sometimes feel more hurried and urgent than мину́точку, despite the literal meaning of a second being smaller than a minute.
Examples in context
- Прошу подождать.Proshu podozhdät'
- Мину́точку, я сейчас вернусь.Minutochku, ya seychas vernus'.One moment, I will be back soon.
- Подождите мину́точку, пожалуйста.Podozhdite minutochku, pozhaluysta.Wait one moment, please.
- Мину́точку, я всё проверю.Minutochku, ya vsyo proveryu.One moment, I will check everything.
Example conversation
Sergei is looking for his keys while Maria waits by the door.
- Сергей SergeyМария, подожди мину́точку!Mariya, podozhdi minutochku!Maria, wait one moment!
- Мария MariaСергей, мы уже опаздываем.Sergey, my uzhe opazdyvayem.Sergei, we are already late.
- Сергей SergeyЯ просто ищу ключи.Ya prosto ishchu klyuchi.I am just looking for the keys.
- Мария MariaСкорее, пожалуйста.Skoreye, pozhaluysta.Hurry, please.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one moment” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
