22 Japanese ways to say “Give me a second”

Ever been in a moment where you just need a tiny pause? Maybe to catch your breath, think, or just hold on a sec? In Japanese, there are many cozy, friendly ways to ask for “Give me a second.”

Whether you’re chatting with friends or in a more formal situation, knowing a variety of expressions is super handy. It keeps your conversations smooth and shows you really get the language’s nuances.

From casual slang to polite phrases, this list covers 22 ways to say “Give me a second” in Japanese. Each one includes pronunciation guides so you can speak with confidence.

Think of this as your little toolkit — a warm, informal guide to help you sound natural and relatable when you need just a moment.

Learning these phrases can also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and communication styles.

Ready to add some new expressions to your Japanese repertoire? Let’s dive in!

Getting Ready to Pause: How to Say “Give Me a Second” in Japanese

Before we jump into the list, it’s good to know that Japanese varies a lot depending on who you’re talking to and the situation.

Some phrases are super casual, perfect for friends, while others are polite and fit professional or formal chat.

Knowing when to use what can make your Japanese feel more natural and respectful.

Sometimes, having a great beginner phrasebook is a perfect way to get started and see these phrases in context.

Keep practicing these phrases in your daily routine — it really helps to make them second nature!

And remember, it’s totally okay to pause and ask for a moment. Everyone does!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. ちょっと待って (Chotto matte) – “Wait a moment.”

This is probably the most common and friendly way to say “Give me a second.”

“Chotto” means “a little” or “a bit,” and “matte” is the imperative form of “matsu,” which means “to wait.” So it literally means “wait a little.”

It’s super easy to remember because you’re just combining “a bit” and “wait.”

Perfect for casual chats or when you need a quick pause.

If you want to be even softer, you can add “ね” (ne) at the end: ちょっと待ってね (Chotto matte ne).

Try using this next time you’re on a call or chatting with a friend—you’ll sound natural and polite without being too formal.

2. 少し待ってね (Sukoshi matte ne) – “Please wait a little.”

“Sukoshi” means “a little,” similar to “chotto,” but a touch more formal.

“Matte” is again “wait,” and “ne” softens the request, like saying “okay?”

This phrase feels polite but still casual, great with acquaintances or colleagues you’re friendly with.

It’s easy to remember if you think “sukoshi” as a slightly more refined “a little.”

Avoid using this phrase in very formal situations where keigo (honorific language) is expected.

Example: When someone asks you a question and you need a quick moment, say: 「少し待ってね！」(Sukoshi matte ne!).

3. ちょっと待ってて (Chotto mattete) – “Please wait a bit (informal).”

This is a friendly way to ask someone to wait, often used among close friends or family.

“Mattete” is the te-form plus “iru” (to be), shortened in casual speech to “-te” ending, meaning “keep waiting.”

The “chotto” keeps it light and approachable.

It’s easy to practice because it’s just a slightly longer version of “chotto matte.”

Good to avoid in formal settings, but perfect for texting or chatting with friends.

Try saying it when you’re about to grab something quickly but want the other person to hold on.

4. ちょい待ち (Choi machi) – “Hold up a sec.” (Very casual)

“Choi” is a slangy short form of “chotto,” and “machi” is a noun form of “wait.”

It’s super casual and often used among teens or close friends.

Great for sounding very natural and native-like in informal conversation.

Easy to remember: shorten “chotto” to “choi” and pair with “machi.”

Not suitable for polite or professional contexts.

Example: You’re texting a friend and want to say “wait a sec”—this is your go-to.

5. ちょっと待ってもらえる？ (Chotto matte moraeru?) – “Can you wait a moment?”

This phrase is casual but polite, often used when you want to ask for a little time from someone.

“Moraeru” means “can receive,” so it’s like asking “Could you please wait?”

It’s a useful phrase that balances friendliness and respect.

Easy to use in everyday conversations when you want to sound considerate.

Try this when you need a moment but want to keep things courteous.

Great for phone calls or in-person chats with friends who appreciate politeness.

6. 今すぐ！ちょっと待って！ (Ima sugu! Chotto matte!) – “Right now! Just a sec!”

This energetic phrase adds “ima sugu” meaning “right now” to emphasize urgency.

“Chotto matte” remains the friendly “wait a second.”

It’s great when you want to quickly grab someone’s attention and ask for a moment.

Easy to remember by combining urgency and casual waiting.

This shows you’re on it, but just need a tiny pause.

Use it when you’re about to do something but need a quick second.

7. ちょっとだけ待って (Chotto dake matte) – “Wait just a little bit.”

“Dake” means “only” or “just,” so this phrase emphasizes a very short wait.

It’s polite but still casual and friendly.

Great when you want to assure the other person that the wait will be brief.

A simple phrase to add warmth and clarity to your request.

Try this when you’re multitasking but want to keep the other person comfortable.

It’s easy to add “dake” to many waiting phrases for nuance.

8. ちょっとだけ待っててね (Chotto dake mattete ne) – “Please wait just a little bit, okay?”

This extends the previous phrase by using “mattete” (please keep waiting) and “ne” to soften the tone.

It’s warm, informal, and shows consideration.

Perfect for friends or family when you want to sound gentle.

Easy to remember by linking “dake” + “mattete” + “ne.”

Try this when you want to assure someone you’ll be quick but also caring.

It’s a phrase that builds trust in casual conversations.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 少々お待ちください (Shoushou omachi kudasai) – “Please wait a moment.”

This is a classic polite phrase often heard in customer service or business settings.

“Shoushou” means “a little while,” “omachi” is the honorific form of “wait,” and “kudasai” is “please.”

It’s very respectful and appropriate for formal situations.

Easy to remember by noting “omachi” as the polite waiting verb.

Perfect when you want to sound professional and courteous.

Try this in emails, phone calls, or with strangers in formal contexts.

10. ちょっとお待ちいただけますか？ (Chotto omachi itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you please wait a moment?”

This is a polite and humble way to ask someone to wait.

“Itadakemasu ka” is a respectful request form, making this phrase very courteous.

Great for business or formal social interactions.

Easy to recall by focusing on “itadakemasu” as a respectful verb form.

Use it when you want to ask for patience without sounding rude.

Try this phrase in customer-facing roles or formal conversations.

11. 少しだけお時間をいただけますか？ (Sukoshi dake ojikan o itadakemasu ka?) – “May I have a little time?”

This phrase is very polite and indirect, focusing on “ojikan” meaning “time.”

“Itadakemasu ka” again is a respectful way to ask.

It’s great when you want to sound humble and professional.

Easy to learn if you remember “ojikan” for time and “itadakemasu” for polite request.

Use this when you need a moment but want to be very courteous.

Common in work meetings or formal emails.

12. ただいまお待ちくださいませ (Tadaima omachi kudasaimase) – “Please wait just now.”

This is a very formal, respectful phrase often used in hospitality or customer service.

“Tadaima” means “right now” or “at this moment,” and “kudasaimase” is an extra polite form of “please.”

Use this phrase to show utmost respect.

It’s slightly more formal than “omachi kudasai.”

Perfect for business or public-facing roles.

Try this when you want to impress with politeness and professionalism.

13. 少々お時間をいただけますでしょうか？ (Shoushou ojikan o itadakemasu deshou ka?) – “Might I have a moment of your time?”

This is a very polite and humble phrasing, perfect for formal requests.

“Deshou ka” softens the question making it more polite.

Use this when asking for a little time in very respectful contexts.

Easy to remember by focusing on “shoushou” and “itadakemasu deshou ka.”

Great when you need to politely delay a conversation or action.

Use this phrase in high-level meetings or formal emails.

14. 少しお待ちいただけますでしょうか？ (Sukoshi omachi itadakemasu deshou ka?) – “Would you mind waiting a short moment?”

This is a very polite and humble question form.

It’s excellent when you want to show deep respect and consideration.

“Omachi” is the honorific “wait,” and the phrase ends with a soft question.

Great for use in customer service or formal discussions.

Try practicing the rhythm to sound smooth and natural.

This phrase conveys respect and patience beautifully.

15. 少々お待ち願えますか？ (Shoushou omachi negaemasu ka?) – “Could I ask you to wait a moment?”

This phrase uses “negaemasu,” a formal way to say “please.”

It’s polite and somewhat formal, but still friendly.

Use it when you want to politely ask for a short wait.

Easy to remember by linking “shoushou” with “negaemasu.”

Perfect for formal service environments.

Try this when you want to sound respectful but approachable.

16. 少しお時間を頂戴できますか？ (Sukoshi ojikan o choudai dekimasu ka?) – “May I receive a little time?”

“Choudai” is a humble way of saying “receive,” adding polite nuance.

This phrase is formal and respectful.

Great for professional or formal social settings.

Easy to practice by focusing on “ojikan” (time) and “choudai dekimasu ka.”

Use this when you want to politely ask for a brief pause.

It shows humility and respect in your request.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ちょっとだけ待ってよ (Chotto dake matte yo) – “Wait just a sec, okay?”

This phrase is very casual and used among close friends or younger people.

“Yo” adds a friendly emphasis, like “you know?”

It’s easy to remember by adding “yo” for extra warmth.

Great for informal, fun conversations.

Use it when you want to sound natural and friendly.

Try this phrase in relaxed hangouts or texts.

18. ちょい待ってよ (Choi matte yo) – “Hold on a sec, okay?”

“Choi” again is slang for “a little,” making this ultra casual.

Adding “yo” keeps it lively and approachable.

It’s perfect for informal chats with peers.

Try it out when texting or hanging out with friends.

Easy to remember by shortening and adding “yo.”

This phrase sounds very natural in casual settings.

19. ちょっと待っててよね (Chotto mattete yone) – “Wait a sec, okay?”

“Yone” here adds both emphasis and a friendly tone.

It’s casual and warm, great for close conversations.

Easy to practice by combining “mattete” and “yone.”

Use this when you want to sound caring and natural.

Try it with friends or siblings.

This phrase adds a sweet and familiar vibe.

20. 今ちょっといい？待ってて (Ima chotto ii? Mattete) – “Is now okay? Wait for me.”

This phrase combines checking if it’s a good time and asking to wait.

It’s casual but thoughtful.

Great for texting or quick chats.

Easy to remember because it’s like a mini conversation.

Use it when you want to politely ask for a moment.

This phrase shows consideration and natural flow.

21. ちょっとだけ待っててな (Chotto dake mattete na) – “Just wait a little, okay?”

“Na” softens the request and adds familiarity.

It’s very casual and friendly.

Perfect for close friends or family.

Easy to add “na” for a natural tone.

Try this when you want to sound warm and casual.

This phrase feels like a gentle nudge.

22. ちょっと待ってや (Chotto matte ya) – “Wait a sec, dude.” (Very casual, Kansai dialect style)

This expression uses “ya,” common in Kansai dialect, adding a regional casual flavor.

It’s very informal and friendly.

Great if you want to sound more native-like in casual settings.

Easy to remember if you know dialect basics.

Use it with close friends, especially in Kansai or to mimic that style.

This phrase adds personality and regional charm.

Concluding Thought

Learning to say “Give me a second” in Japanese opens up small but meaningful moments in conversation.

It’s not just about the words, but how you express patience, respect, and warmth.

With these 22 phrases, you’re ready to pause naturally, politely, and with a touch of personality, no matter the situation. Keep practicing, and enjoy those little moments!