15秒でわかる
- A polite way to ask for a very short wait.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- Best used for delays lasting less than a minute.
意味
This phrase is a polite way to ask someone to wait for a very short time. It is like saying 'give me a few seconds' before I can help you or talk to you.
主な例文
3 / 6Answering the front door
Just a moment! I'm coming!
Wait a second, I am walking to the door.
A waiter at a busy restaurant
Just a moment, sir, I'll be right with you.
Please wait a short time, I will help you soon.
Looking for a file during a Zoom call
Just a moment while I pull up that document.
Wait while I find the digital file.
文化的背景
British people often use 'Just a moment' as a way to politely disagree or interrupt someone who is speaking too much. It is a 'soft' way to take control of the conversation. In US customer service, 'Just a moment' is often followed by a specific action. Americans appreciate knowing *why* they are waiting. While Germans value directness, using 'Moment!' (the short version) is very common in shops. However, in a formal German office, the full 'Einen Augenblick' is expected. When speaking English, Japanese learners often use 'Please wait' which can sound like a command. Switching to 'Just a moment' helps them sound much more natural and polite in Western business.
The 'One Finger' Rule
In many Western cultures, saying 'Just a moment' while briefly holding up your index finger is a very effective way to signal 'wait' without being rude.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'Just a moment' three times in a row to the same person, they will think you are ignoring them. Switch to 'I'm so sorry, this is taking longer than expected.'
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to ask for a very short wait.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- Best used for delays lasting less than a minute.
What It Means
Just a moment is your magic shield against feeling rushed. It tells the other person that you hear them. It tells them you are busy for a few seconds. You aren't ignoring them. You are just finishing a small task. Think of it as a verbal 'pause button' for life. It is softer than saying 'wait.' It feels more like an invitation to be patient.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase alone or as part of a sentence. If someone calls your name, shout Just a moment! from the other room. If you are on the phone, say Just a moment, please. It works best when you are actually about to finish what you are doing. Don't use it if you need ten minutes. That would be a lie! Use it for things that take under sixty seconds. It is the perfect bridge between 'busy' and 'available.'
When To Use It
Use it when you are looking for your keys in your bag. Use it at a shop when you are counting change. It is great in a meeting when you need to find a file. If you are texting, you can type Just a sec which is a cousin of this phrase. It shows you are polite and organized. It keeps the social flow moving smoothly. Even if you are stressed, saying this makes you look calm.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the wait will be long. If you say Just a moment and disappear for ten minutes, people will get annoyed. Avoid using it in extreme emergencies. If someone yells 'Help!', don't say Just a moment. That is a bit too casual for a crisis! Also, don't use it with a rude tone. The words are polite, but your voice must be kind too. Otherwise, it sounds like you are telling them to 'shut up.'
Cultural Background
English speakers value their time, but they value politeness more. In the UK and US, interrupting someone is often seen as slightly rude. This phrase acts as a 'buffer.' It acknowledges the interruption without being angry. Historically, a 'moment' was an actual unit of time (about 90 seconds). Today, it just means 'very soon.' It is one of the first phrases children learn to say to their parents.
Common Variations
You will hear many versions of this. Just a second is very common. Just a sec is the short, cool version for friends. One moment, please is what you hear from a professional receptionist. If you want to be very British, you might hear Hang on a tick. They all mean the same thing: stay right there, I'm coming!
使い方のコツ
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It sits right in the middle of the formality scale, making it safe for almost any situation from a first date to a job interview.
The 'One Finger' Rule
In many Western cultures, saying 'Just a moment' while briefly holding up your index finger is a very effective way to signal 'wait' without being rude.
Don't Overuse It
If you say 'Just a moment' three times in a row to the same person, they will think you are ignoring them. Switch to 'I'm so sorry, this is taking longer than expected.'
Intonation Matters
Say it with a rising pitch at the end to sound like you are asking a favor. A falling pitch can sound like you are annoyed.
Add a Reason
To be extra polite, always add a short reason: 'Just a moment, the computer is slow' or 'Just a moment, I'm looking for my glasses.'
例文
6Just a moment! I'm coming!
Wait a second, I am walking to the door.
Used to let the visitor know you heard the knock.
Just a moment, sir, I'll be right with you.
Please wait a short time, I will help you soon.
Very standard in service industries to acknowledge customers.
Just a moment while I pull up that document.
Wait while I find the digital file.
Shows you are working on the request immediately.
Just a moment, let me finish this email.
Wait a bit, I am finishing work.
Explains the delay in replying.
Just a moment, honey, Mommy is talking.
Wait a little bit, I am busy.
A gentle way to set a boundary with a child.
Just a moment... I know it's here somewhere!
Wait, I am searching for the picture.
Builds a little bit of anticipation.
自分をテスト
You are a receptionist. A customer asks for help while you are on the phone. What do you say?
Customer: 'Excuse me, can you help me?'
'Just a moment, please' is the most professional and polite way to acknowledge the customer without being rude.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
I will be with you ______ just a moment.
We use 'in' to describe how much time will pass before an action starts.
Match the variation of 'Just a moment' to the correct person.
1. 'One moment, please.' | 2. 'Just a sec!' | 3. 'Hold on a moment.'
'One moment' is formal (Bank), 'Just a sec' is informal (Friend), and 'Hold on' is neutral/casual (Colleague).
Choose the best response to the knock on the door.
Knock knock! | You: '________ I'm just putting on my shoes!'
'Just a moment!' is the most natural thing to shout when you are nearly ready to answer the door.
Complete the phrase used to ask for a pause to think.
Just a moment, let me ______ about that.
After 'let me,' we use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is WRONG?
Identify the incorrect usage:
Sentence B is missing the article 'a'. It must be 'Just a moment.'
🎉 スコア： /6
ビジュアル学習ツール
Wait Phrases by Formality
練習問題バンク
6 問題Customer: 'Excuse me, can you help me?'
'Just a moment, please' is the most professional and polite way to acknowledge the customer without being rude.
I will be with you ______ just a moment.
We use 'in' to describe how much time will pass before an action starts.
1. 'One moment, please.' | 2. 'Just a sec!' | 3. 'Hold on a moment.'
'One moment' is formal (Bank), 'Just a sec' is informal (Friend), and 'Hold on' is neutral/casual (Colleague).
Knock knock! | You: '________ I'm just putting on my shoes!'
'Just a moment!' is the most natural thing to shout when you are nearly ready to answer the door.
Just a moment, let me ______ about that.
After 'let me,' we use the base form of the verb.
Identify the incorrect usage:
Sentence B is missing the article 'a'. It must be 'Just a moment.'
🎉 スコア： /6
よくある質問
14 問It is neutral. It is safe to use with your boss, a waiter, or your mother. It's the most versatile way to ask someone to wait.
Yes, but 'minute' implies a slightly longer wait. Use 'moment' for 5-10 seconds and 'minute' for 30-60 seconds.
'One moment' is more formal and is often used in professional service (like a hotel or bank). 'Just a moment' is more common in daily conversation.
No, it is actually a very polite way to manage an interruption. It is much more polite than saying 'Wait' or 'I'm busy.'
You can say 'Just a moment, please' or 'Could you hold for just a moment?' both are very common.
It's less common in writing. Instead, use 'I will get back to you shortly' or 'I'll send that over in a moment.'
'Sec' is short for 'second.' It is a very informal version used with friends or close colleagues.
Say 'This might take a few minutes' or 'Could you give me five minutes?' to manage expectations.
In modern English, no. It just means 'a very short time.'
No, it is always singular: 'Just a moment.'
Yes, 'Wait a mo' or 'Just a mo' is very common in the UK.
Usually, they will say 'Sure,' 'No problem,' or 'Take your time.'
Yes, if you say 'Just a moment...' it is a polite way to stop someone so you can ask a question or correct a fact.
Yes! It is a 'power phrase' for A2 learners because it gives you time to think and find your words.
関連フレーズ
Just a second
synonymWait for a very short time.
One moment
specialized formA formal request to wait.
Hold on
similarStop or wait.
In a moment
contrastVery soon.
Wait a minute
similarWait for a slightly longer time.
Bear with me
builds onPlease be patient while I do something difficult.
