What does it mean word for word?
The phrase один момент is a literal translation of 'one moment', where один means 'one' and момент means 'moment'.
Which one should you use?
While один момент is a common way to say 'one moment', you can also use одна хвилина (one minute) to mean 'wait a little bit'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be more polite than the standard один момент, you can say зачекайте, будь ласка (wait, please). For formal situations, use Зачекайте (wait or hold on) or the extended version Зачекайте одну хвилину (wait one moment). In informal settings, such as among friends or peers, you can use Зачекай or the diminutive Зачекай хвилинку (a little moment).
How does it change in a sentence?
When telling someone to wait, you will often hear the accusative form одну хвилину instead of the nominative одна хвилина.
How do you pronounce it?
odyn moment
Did you know?
- The word один is a cognate of the English word 'one', as both descend from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root.
- While один момент works well, Ukrainians often prefer using diminutive forms like хвилинку to sound much softer and less abrupt when asking someone to wait.
- In Ukrainian, just like in English, saying 'one moment' can sometimes be used ironically to imply that the wait will actually be quite long.
Examples in context
- Зачекайте, будь ласка. Я повернусь через одну хвилину.Wait, please. I'll be back in a moment.
- Вибачте, зачекайте одну хвилину, будь ласка.Sorry, please wait one moment.
- Зачекай, я з тобою через секунду.Wait, I'll be with you in a second.
- Чекай хвилинку, я скоро повернусь.Wait a moment, I'll be back soon.
- Один момент, я зараз прийду.Odyn moment, ya zaraz pryidu.One moment, I will come right now.
- Зачекайте, один момент.Zachekayte, odyn moment.Wait, one moment.
- Один момент, я шукаю ключі.Odyn moment, ya shukayu klyuchi.One moment, I am looking for the keys.
Example conversation
Andriy is looking for his phone while Olena waits for him.
- Андрій AndriiОдин момент, я не можу його знайти.Odyn moment, ya ne mozhu yoho znayty.One moment, I cannot find it.
- Олена OlenaАндрію, ми вже запізнюємося.Andriyu, my vzhe zapiznyuiesia.Andriy, we are already late.
- Андрій AndriiОсь він! Будь ласка, зачекай.Os vin! Bud laska, zachekay.Here it is! Please, wait.
- Олена OlenaДобре, швидше, будь ласка.Dobre, shvydshe, bud laska.Okay, hurry up, please.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries один, CC BY-SA 4.0.
