пожалуйста, подождите
pozhaluysta, podozhdite
The English phrase "please wait" is translated into Russian as пожалуйста, подождите (pozhaluysta, podozhdite).
This phrase is a polite request for someone to stay where they are or stop what they are doing for a short time.
Which one should you use?
While пожалуйста, подождите is the default way to say the phrase, you may also see the words swapped to Подождите, пожалуйста, which also means "Wait, please."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form подожди is the singular imperative used when addressing one person informally, such as a friend or a child. The form подождите is the plural imperative used when addressing a group of people or when addressing one person formally/politely.
How do you pronounce it?
pozhaluysta, podozhdite
Did you know?
- The word пожалуйста contains a hidden suffix -ста that was once used to add politeness to speech. This suffix is now completely obsolete and has vanished from the language except within this specific word.
- When Russians want to tell someone to 'wait a second' informally, they often use the word секундочку, which is a diminutive form of 'second'.
- If you use the singular form подожди with a stranger, it is not just 'informal', it can be perceived as quite rude or even aggressive. In a professional setting, always stick to the plural/formal подождите.
Examples in context
- Пожалуйста, подождите в фойе.Please wait in the hall.This sentence is useful for showing how to use пожалуйста, подождите to indicate a location.Tatoeba #2711724 by sharptoothed, translation #2711723 by sharptoothed
- Пожалуйста, подождите до полудня.Please wait till noon.This sentence is useful for showing how to use пожалуйста, подождите with a specific time.Tatoeba #6478328 by fjay69, translation #271628 by CK
- Пожалуйста, подождите Тома здесь.Please wait for Tom here.This sentence is useful for showing how to use пожалуйста, подождите with a person.Tatoeba #6788383 by dimitris, translation #6788294 by CK
- Пожалуйста, подождите немного, пока я закончу свою презентацию.Please wait a moment while I finish my presentation.
- Будьте добры, подождите, я уточню эту информацию у своего коллеги.Please be so kind as to wait, I will double-check this information with my colleague.
- Извините, пожалуйста, но нужно подождать. Мы ведем срочный разговор.I'm sorry, but we need to wait. We're having an urgent discussion.
- Подожди, пожалуйста, я только закончу письмо.Wait, please, I'm just finishing up this email.
- Подожди немного, мне нужно сделать это дело первым делом.Wait a bit, I need to do this task first.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man is calling a woman to stop because she dropped her keys.
- Сергей SergeyМария, пожалуйста, подождите!Mariya, pozhaluysta, podozhdite!Maria, please wait!
- Мария MariaЧто случилось, Сергей?Chto sluchilos', Sergey?What happened, Sergey?
- Сергей SergeyВы уронили ключи.Vy uronili klyuchi.You dropped your keys.
- Мария MariaОй, спасибо большое!Oy, spasibo bol'shoye!Oh, thank you very much!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries пожалуйста, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
