What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb 等 (wait) and the complement 一下 (a bit/a moment).
Which one should you use?
稍等 is a more formal version meaning "wait a moment", and 稍等一下 strikes a balance between politeness and informality and is commonly used among friends or people of similar age groups. In Taiwan, 稍等片刻 is used on some formal occasions and is slightly more formal than other formal phrases.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
等一下 is a common informal phrase used among friends, family or acquaintances. For formal and semi-formal situations, you can use 请稍等 to politely ask someone to wait a moment. 稍等 is a more formal and polite way to say 'wait a moment' than 等一下.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of northern China, people may say 等等 instead of 等一下 in informal situations.
How do you pronounce it?
děng yí xià
Did you know?
- The word 一下 (yí xià) literally translates to 'one strike' or 'one hit'. It originally described the sound or action of a single physical blow.
- The character 等 is also used to categorize things into grades or classes, such as 'first class' 一等, showing that the root of 'waiting' shares a character with 'ranking'.
- While 等一下 means 'wait a minute', in some contexts it is used as a filler phrase to buy time to think, similar to how English speakers use 'um' or 'let me see'.
Examples in context
- 请稍等一下。Please wait a minute.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say "Please wait a minute" using 等一下.Tatoeba #423171 by GlossaMatik, translation #1939683 by linguine
- 麻煩您等一下。Will you wait a minute?This sentence is useful for practicing how to ask "Will you wait a minute?" using 等一下.Tatoeba #4104695 by andymakespasta, translation #3973205 by felvideki
- 等一下… 我觉得你应该跟他们一起去。Wait a minute… I think you should go with them.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use 等一下 when interrupting a thought or conversation.Tatoeba #3389693 by GlossaMatik, translation #3389688 by tod
- 我们稍等一下，谢谢。Let's wait a moment, thank you.
- 请稍等一下，我马上就来。Please wait a moment, I'll be right there.
- 等一下，我找找我的钥匙。Wait a minute, let me look for my keys.
- 稍等一下，我给你发个短信。Wait a minute, I'll send you a message.
- 等等，我快就好了。Wait a minute, I'm almost done.
Example conversation
At the apartment door before leaving.
- 梓涵 Zihan伟，等一下！Wěi, děng yīxià!Wei, wait a minute!
- 伟 Wei怎么了，梓涵？Zěnme le, Zǐhán?What's wrong, Zihan?
- 梓涵 Zihan我没拿手机。Wǒ méi ná shǒujī.I didn't take my phone.
- 伟 Wei好吧，我们回去拿。Hǎo ba, wǒmen huí qù ná.Okay, let's go back and get it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
