In 15 Seconds
- The universal Arabic way to say 'Hold on a second.'
- Used in both formal and casual daily situations.
- A polite way to pause a conversation or action.
Meaning
This is the go-to phrase for asking someone to wait for a brief moment. It is the Arabic equivalent of saying 'Hold on' or 'Just a sec' when you are busy.
Key Examples
3 of 6Answering a phone call during a meal
ثانية واحدة، سأرد على المكالمة.
One second, I will answer the call.
A waiter asking for a moment to get a menu
ثانية واحدة من فضلك، سأحضر المنيو.
One second please, I will bring the menu.
Texting a friend who is waiting outside
ثانية واحدة وأكون عندك!
One second and I'll be with you!
Cultural Background
In Egypt, 'Sanya waḥda' is often accompanied by a specific hand gesture: bringing the tips of the fingers together and pointing them upwards. People in Lebanon and Syria often use 'Lahẓa' (moment) more than 'Thāniya', and they might add 'shway' (a little) for extra politeness. In the Gulf, you might hear 'Lahẓa' or 'Daqīqa' used even for very short waits. Politeness is key, so 'min faḍlak' is common. In Morocco and Tunisia, you might hear 'Wāḥid d-dqīqa' (one minute) used very frequently in the same way 'Thāniya' is used elsewhere.
The Finger Gesture
Raise your index finger slightly when saying this. It's a universal sign in the Arab world for 'wait a sec'.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'Thāniya wāḥid'. It sounds very broken to native ears.
In 15 Seconds
- The universal Arabic way to say 'Hold on a second.'
- Used in both formal and casual daily situations.
- A polite way to pause a conversation or action.
What It Means
ثانية واحدة is your ultimate social pause button. It literally means 'one second.' You use it when you need a tiny bit of time. It tells the other person you hear them. It shows you are coming back soon. It is polite, quick, and very common.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. Just say ثانية واحدة and raise your index finger slightly. You can also add it to the start of a sentence. For example, ثانية واحدة، سأحضر مفاتيحي (One second, I will get my keys). It works perfectly in person or over the phone. In texts, it is often shortened to just ثانية.
When To Use It
Use it when your phone rings during a conversation. Use it at a shop when looking for change. It is perfect when someone knocks on your door. Use it when you are thinking of an answer. It is great for pausing a meeting politely. If you are cooking and something boils over, shout this! It buys you that crucial window of time.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you need an hour. That would be misleading and a bit rude. Avoid it in very high-stakes emergencies. If a building is on fire, don't say ثانية واحدة! Also, do not use it repeatedly with a boss. It might make you look disorganized. If you need a long time, use دقيقة (one minute) instead.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, time is often seen as flexible. When someone says ثانية واحدة, they might mean thirty seconds. They might even mean three minutes! It is more about the gesture of politeness than the clock. It shows you value the other person's presence. It is a way to stay connected while being distracted. It reflects the warm, social nature of the region.
Common Variations
You will often hear لحظة واحدة (one moment). In Egypt, people might say ثانية واحدة يا باشا (one second, boss). Some people just say ثواني (seconds) to sound even faster. In the Levant, هلق (now) is sometimes added for urgency. All of these carry the same friendly 'wait for me' vibe.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social register. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring the feminine agreement of the number 'one'.
The Finger Gesture
Raise your index finger slightly when saying this. It's a universal sign in the Arab world for 'wait a sec'.
Gender Agreement
Never say 'Thāniya wāḥid'. It sounds very broken to native ears.
Dialect Power
If you are in Egypt, say 'Sanya waḥda'. You will sound much more like a local!
Elastic Time
Don't be offended if someone's 'one second' takes a minute. It's a polite way of saying 'I'm acknowledging you'.
Examples
6ثانية واحدة، سأرد على المكالمة.
One second, I will answer the call.
A very common way to excuse yourself briefly.
ثانية واحدة من فضلك، سأحضر المنيو.
One second please, I will bring the menu.
Adding 'min fadlak' makes it professional.
ثانية واحدة وأكون عندك!
One second and I'll be with you!
The 'and I'll be there' structure is very common.
ماما، ثانية واحدة فقط!
Mama, just one second!
Adding 'faqat' (only) emphasizes the short time.
قلت ثانية واحدة، وليس ساعة!
I said one second, not one hour!
A classic joke when someone is taking too long.
ثانية واحدة، أبحث عن الملف.
One second, I am looking for the file.
Keeps the professional flow while you multitask.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct feminine form of 'one second'.
_______ واحدة
The word 'Wāḥida' is feminine, so it must describe the feminine noun 'Thāniya'.
Complete the phrase to say 'One second, please'.
ثانية واحدة، من _______.
'Min faḍlik' is the standard way to say 'please' in Arabic.
What would you say if someone knocks on your door while you are busy?
الزائر: (يطرق الباب) أنت: _______! أنا قادم!
You use 'Thāniya wāḥida' to ask someone to wait for a moment.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When you are searching for your wallet at the cashier:
It's the perfect phrase to use when you need a moment to find something.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Time Units in Arabic
Short
- • ثانية (Second)
- • لحظة (Moment)
Medium
- • دقيقة (Minute)
- • ساعة (Hour)
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ واحدة
The word 'Wāḥida' is feminine, so it must describe the feminine noun 'Thāniya'.
ثانية واحدة، من _______.
'Min faḍlik' is the standard way to say 'please' in Arabic.
الزائر: (يطرق الباب) أنت: _______! أنا قادم!
You use 'Thāniya wāḥida' to ask someone to wait for a moment.
When you are searching for your wallet at the cashier:
It's the perfect phrase to use when you need a moment to find something.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss, though adding 'min faḍlik' makes it more formal.
Yes, in casual speech, people often drop the 'Wāḥida' and just say 'Thāniya!' or 'Sanya!'
'Thāniya' is 'second', 'Lahẓa' is 'moment'. They are used interchangeably, but 'Lahẓa' is slightly more common in the Levant.
Because 'Thāniya' is a feminine noun (ending in ة), and numbers in Arabic must agree with the gender of the noun.
You use the dual form: 'Thāniyatayn' (ثانيتين).
Yes, it is understood everywhere from Morocco to Iraq, though the pronunciation varies.
It's better to use 'Lahẓa' or 'Arju al-intizār' (Please wait) in formal writing.
Almost never. It's a figurative way to say 'a short time'.
Use 'Daqīqa' (one minute) or 'Lahẓāt' (a few moments).
Like the 'th' in 'thin'. If you find it hard, most dialects use an 's' sound instead.
Related Phrases
لحظة واحدة
synonymOne moment
دقيقة واحدة
similarOne minute
انتظر
builds onWait (command)
على مهلك
similarTake your time
بسرعة
contrastQuickly
