What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 少々 (shōshō) meaning 'a little bit', お待ち (omachi) which is the polite form of 'wait' and ください (kudasai) meaning 'please'.
Which one should you use?
While 少々お待ちください is the formal version, ちょっと待って (chotto matte) is a casual version used with friends or family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
少々お待ちください is a formal and polite way to ask someone to wait, commonly used in business settings or customer service. In informal situations, you might use Chotto matte or Chotto dake matte, which conveys a similar meaning but with a slightly stronger emphasis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 'wait' is in the honorific form (omachi) to show respect to the person being asked to wait.
How do you pronounce it?
shōshō omachi kudasai
When do people say it?
In Japan, forming an "L" shape with your thumb and index finger and pointing the "L" downwards is a widely recognized signal for "one moment".
Did you know?
- If you use the formal 少々お待ちください with a close friend, it can sound as if you are being sarcastic or even expressing cold anger through extreme politeness.
- The honorific form お待ちください is used because Japanese culture views asking someone to wait as imposing a personal burden on that person.
- The formal construction relies on 'sonkeigo', a specific level of honorific speech designed to elevate the listener's social status above your own.
Examples in context
- 「スミスさんをお願いしたいのですが」「少々お待ちください」"Could I speak to Mr. Smith?" "One moment, please."This sentence is useful for practicing how to respond when someone asks to speak to a specific person.Tatoeba #11621734 by small_snow, translation #10895283 by AlanF_US
- すみません、少々お待ちください。Excuse me, please wait a moment.
- ちょっと待って。Wait a moment.
- 少々お待ちください。shōshō omachi kudasai.One moment please.
- 確認しますので、少々お待ちください。kakunin shimasu node, shōshō omachi kudasai.I will check, so please wait a moment.
Example conversation
A customer calls a shop and asks to speak to the manager.
- 美咲 Misaki店長をお願いできますか？tenchō o onegai dekimasu ka?May I speak to the manager?
- 健太 Kentaはい、少々お待ちください。hai, shōshō omachi kudasai.Yes, one moment please.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you.
- 健太 Kentaお待たせいたしました。omatase itashimashita.Sorry to have kept you waiting.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
