Meaning
A polite request for someone to wait briefly.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Chotto' is a linguistic 'cushion' (kusshon kotoba). It's used to avoid being too direct, which can be seen as aggressive in Japanese culture. In business, time is highly valued. While 'Chotto matte kudasai' is polite, using 'Shoushou omachi kudasai' shows you are a professional who respects the client's status. In texting (LINE), 'ちょっと待って' is often abbreviated to 'ちょま' (Choma) or just '待って' among Gen Z. Staff will often bow slightly when saying 'Shoushou omachi kudasai' to show they are working as fast as possible for you.
The 'Ne' Softener
Add 'ne' at the end (Chotto matte kudasai ne) to sound much more natural and friendly. It's like saying 'Wait a sec, okay?'
Don't over-rely on 'Chotto'
While useful, using 'chotto' for everything can make your Japanese sound a bit vague. Try to be specific when you can!
Meaning
A polite request for someone to wait briefly.
The 'Ne' Softener
Add 'ne' at the end (Chotto matte kudasai ne) to sound much more natural and friendly. It's like saying 'Wait a sec, okay?'
Don't over-rely on 'Chotto'
While useful, using 'chotto' for everything can make your Japanese sound a bit vague. Try to be specific when you can!
The Bow
A small nod or bow while saying this phrase in a shop makes you look like a pro at Japanese etiquette.
Test Yourself
Complete the polite request to wait.
ちょっと_______ください。
The 'te-form' of 'matsu' (to wait) is 'matte'. We use the te-form before 'kudasai' to make a polite request.
Which phrase is most appropriate when talking to a friend?
Talking to a close friend who is walking too fast:
With friends, you can drop 'kudasai' to be more casual. 'Chotto matte' is the standard casual form.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Staff: ご注文は？ You: すみません、_______。まだ決めていません。
In a shop, 'Chotto matte kudasai' is the perfect balance of polite and natural.
Match the phrase to the correct formality level.
1. Chotto matte 2. Chotto matte kudasai 3. Shoushou omachi kudasai
Adding 'kudasai' makes it formal, and changing 'chotto' to 'shoushou' makes it very formal/business-like.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels of 'Wait'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesちょっと_______ください。
The 'te-form' of 'matsu' (to wait) is 'matte'. We use the te-form before 'kudasai' to make a polite request.
Talking to a close friend who is walking too fast:
With friends, you can drop 'kudasai' to be more casual. 'Chotto matte' is the standard casual form.
Staff: ご注文は？ You: すみません、_______。まだ決めていません。
In a shop, 'Chotto matte kudasai' is the perfect balance of polite and natural.
1. Chotto matte 2. Chotto matte kudasai 3. Shoushou omachi kudasai
Adding 'kudasai' makes it formal, and changing 'chotto' to 'shoushou' makes it very formal/business-like.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on your relationship. If you are close, yes. If it's a formal environment, use 'Shoushou omachi kudasai'.
'Chotto' is more casual and common in speech. 'Sukoshi' is slightly more formal and often used in writing.
Only to very close friends or children. To anyone else, it sounds like a rude command.
It represents a 'glottal stop' or a double consonant. It's crucial for the correct rhythm of the word.
Usually anywhere from 5 seconds to a couple of minutes. If it's longer, you should apologize for the delay.
Yes, but be careful. Say it gently so you don't sound like you're telling them to 'shut up'.
The 'yo' adds emphasis. It's often used when you are surprised or slightly annoyed. 'Hey, wait a minute!'
It's better to use 'O-machi kudasai' or 'O-machi itadakereba saiwai desu' in formal emails.
In this context, yes. It's the standard way to turn a verb into a polite request.
Just say 'Sumimasen!' (Excuse me) and hold up a finger. Then say 'Chotto matte kudasai' once you catch your breath.
Related Phrases
少々お待ちください
specialized formPlease wait a moment (Very Formal).
ちょっといいですか
similarDo you have a moment?
待ってください
builds onPlease wait.
止まってください
contrastPlease stop.
