In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for a very short delay or pause.
- Always use the feminine 'une' with 'minute'.
- Commonly used as 'J'en ai pour une minute' (I'll be a minute).
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask someone for a very brief moment of their time, essentially saying 'just a second' or 'hold on a moment.'
Key Examples
3 of 6At a bakery, looking for coins
Une minute, je cherche ma monnaie.
One minute, I'm looking for my change.
On a phone call with a friend
Attends une minute, on sonne à la porte.
Wait a minute, someone is at the door.
In a professional meeting
Attendez une minute, je vérifie ce chiffre.
Wait a minute, I'm checking this figure.
Cultural Background
In Paris, 'une minute' is often used as a defensive shield. If someone tries to sell you something on the street, saying 'Désolé, pas une minute' is a firm but polite way to keep walking. Quebecers might use 'une minute' but you'll also hear 'une seconde' very frequently, often pronounced with a distinct 't' sound at the end of words. In many Francophone African countries, 'une minute' is the start of a long greeting. Time is relational, so 'one minute' might mean 'as long as it takes to be friends'. In Swiss French, 'une minute' is likely to be much closer to exactly 60 seconds. Punctuality is a high cultural value.
The 'Petite' Trick
Add 'petite' before 'minute' to sound 10x more like a native speaker. It softens the request significantly.
Gender Alert
Never say 'un minute'. It's the easiest way to spot a beginner. Minute is always a 'she'!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for a very short delay or pause.
- Always use the feminine 'une' with 'minute'.
- Commonly used as 'J'en ai pour une minute' (I'll be a minute).
What It Means
You need a tiny slice of time. It is the French way of saying 'Hold on.' It is perfect for when your hands are full. Or when your brain needs a quick reboot. You aren't asking for an hour. You just need sixty seconds of patience. It is a social 'pause button.'
How To Use It
You can drop this into many sentences. Usually, you will say Attends une minute to a friend. Or Attendez une minute to your boss. You can also just say Une minute ! if you are in a rush. Just remember that minute is a lady. Always use une, never un. Even though it sounds like 'un' sometimes, the 'e' is there. If you want to say 'I will be a minute,' say J'en ai pour une minute.
When To Use It
Use it at the grocery store while finding change. Use it when someone calls you while you are cooking. It is great for pausing a movie with friends. It shows you respect their time but need a moment. It is the ultimate social buffer phrase. You can use it in a meeting to find a file. Or use it at home when the doorbell rings.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are going to be long. If you are leaving for lunch, don't say 'one minute.' That is just lying, and people will get annoyed. Also, avoid using it in very formal ceremonies. You wouldn't say it to a judge mid-sentence. If a situation is life-or-death, 'one minute' is too slow. Don't use it to ignore someone indefinitely.
Cultural Background
The French have a relaxed relationship with time. 'One minute' often means 'five minutes' in social settings. This is part of the French *joie de vivre*. It is about being present, even if you are a bit late. There is even a concept called 'le quart d'heure de politesse.' That means being fifteen minutes late is actually polite. So, 'une minute' is a very flexible concept in France.
Common Variations
You might hear un petit moment for something softer. Une seconde is even faster and very common. If you want to be fancy, try un instant. For texting, just write 1 min. If you are really in a hurry, just say Minute ! with a hand gesture. It is universal and very effective.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and fits almost any situation. The key is to remember the feminine gender of 'minute' and to use 's'il vous plaît' in formal contexts.
The 'Petite' Trick
Add 'petite' before 'minute' to sound 10x more like a native speaker. It softens the request significantly.
Gender Alert
Never say 'un minute'. It's the easiest way to spot a beginner. Minute is always a 'she'!
The Waiter's Minute
If a French waiter says 'une minute', expect it to be five. It's a polite way of saying 'I've seen you and I'm coming'.
Examples
6Une minute, je cherche ma monnaie.
One minute, I'm looking for my change.
A very common and polite way to ask the cashier to wait.
Attends une minute, on sonne à la porte.
Wait a minute, someone is at the door.
Using 'Attends' makes it informal for friends.
Attendez une minute, je vérifie ce chiffre.
Wait a minute, I'm checking this figure.
Using 'Attendez' keeps it professional and respectful.
J'en ai pour une minute, j'arrive !
I'll be a minute, I'm coming!
The 'J'en ai pour...' structure is the most natural way to say 'I'll be...'
Une minute ! Le chat a volé mon jambon !
One minute! The cat stole my ham!
Used as an exclamation to interrupt a situation.
Laisse-moi une minute pour réfléchir.
Give me a minute to think.
Asking for space to process emotions or thoughts.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct gender for the phrase.
Est-ce que tu as ___ minute ?
'Minute' is feminine, so it requires 'une'.
Complete the polite request.
Pardon, monsieur, vous avez une ___ ?
The standard phrase for asking for a moment is 'avoir une minute'.
Match the phrase to the context.
Which phrase is most formal?
'Un instant' combined with 's'il vous plaît' is the most formal register.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Je peux te parler ? B: Oui, mais juste ___ une minute.
'Pour' indicates the intended duration of the conversation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Duration vs. Start Time
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEst-ce que tu as ___ minute ?
'Minute' is feminine, so it requires 'une'.
Pardon, monsieur, vous avez une ___ ?
The standard phrase for asking for a moment is 'avoir une minute'.
Which phrase is most formal?
'Un instant' combined with 's'il vous plaît' is the most formal register.
A: Je peux te parler ? B: Oui, mais juste ___ une minute.
'Pour' indicates the intended duration of the conversation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or colleagues. To make it formal, add 'Excusez-moi'.
Yes! 'Tu as une minute ?' is actually more common than 'Tu as du temps pour une minute ?'.
A 'minute' is perceived as shorter and more specific than a 'moment'.
Because the word 'minute' comes from the feminine Latin word 'minuta'. All time divisions in French (heure, minute, seconde) are feminine!
Yes, but 'Auriez-vous un instant ?' is slightly more professional for written correspondence.
It's very informal. Use it with friends, but avoid it with your boss or strangers.
Say 'Attends une minute' (informal) or 'Attendez une minute' (formal).
Almost never. It's an idiom for 'a short time'.
Say 'Est-ce que vous avez quelques minutes ?' (Do you have a few minutes?).
Yes, often shortened to 'Attends, deux min' (Wait, two mins).
Related Phrases
un instant
synonyma moment
une seconde
similara second
un moment
similara moment
tout de suite
contrastright away
d'ici une minute
builds onwithin a minute
