In 15 Seconds
- A temporary stop for actions, media, or events.
- Commonly found on buttons in apps and video players.
- Implies the action will resume shortly.
Meaning
This phrase is your 'pause button' for life. Use it when you need to freeze time, stop a video, or take a quick break from an activity.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a movie with a friend
等一下，先暂停，我要去拿点零食。
Wait a second, pause first, I'm going to grab some snacks.
A heated argument with a partner
我们能暂停一下吗？大家都太激动了。
Can we pause for a bit? Everyone is too emotional.
During a professional business meeting
会议暂停十分钟，大家休息一下。
The meeting is paused for ten minutes; everyone take a break.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the modern digital era in China. While 'ting' (stop) is ancient, 'zanting' gained massive popularity with the arrival of playback technology and organized sports. It represents the shift from natural stops to controlled, intentional breaks in a high-speed society.
The 'Softener' Secret
Always add `一下` (yí xià) after `暂停` in conversation. It makes you sound like a polite friend rather than a robot giving a command.
Not for Traffic
Don't use this when driving! If you want a car to stop at a sign, use `停` (tíng). `暂停` is for processes, not physical movement of vehicles.
In 15 Seconds
- A temporary stop for actions, media, or events.
- Commonly found on buttons in apps and video players.
- Implies the action will resume shortly.
What It Means
暂停 is the universal word for 'pause.' It describes a temporary stop. Think of it like a yellow light or a freeze-frame. It implies that the action will start again soon. It is not a permanent goodbye or a total shutdown. It is just a breather.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or a noun. If you are watching a movie, you press the 暂停 button. If you are in a meeting and need coffee, you suggest a 暂停. It is very flexible. Just place it where the action is happening. For example, 暂停比赛 means to pause the game. It is simple and direct.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you need a timeout. Use it at work when a project gets too messy. Use it while gaming when the delivery guy rings the doorbell. It is perfect for digital life. You will see it on every Chinese app and video player. It is also great for sports or any structured activity. If things are moving too fast, just say 暂停!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 暂停 for permanent endings. If you quit your job, do not say 暂停. If a relationship is over, 暂停 sounds like you are just taking a week off. Also, do not use it for physical objects stopping. You do not 暂停 a car at a red light; you just 停. It is for actions, processes, or media.
Cultural Background
In China's fast-paced '996' work culture, 暂停 is a luxury. It represents a moment of peace. Interestingly, in the 90s, this word became common with the rise of VCD and DVD players. Now, it is part of the digital vocabulary of every smartphone user. It is a modern word for a modern, busy life.
Common Variations
You might hear 中场暂停 during a basketball game. Or 暂停一下 in a casual conversation. Adding 一下 makes it sound much softer. In business, you might hear 暂停营业, which means 'temporarily closed.' It is a polite way for a shop to say they are out to lunch.
Usage Notes
Highly versatile and neutral. It fits perfectly in both a casual living room and a professional boardroom. Just remember it implies the action will start again.
The 'Softener' Secret
Always add `一下` (yí xià) after `暂停` in conversation. It makes you sound like a polite friend rather than a robot giving a command.
Not for Traffic
Don't use this when driving! If you want a car to stop at a sign, use `停` (tíng). `暂停` is for processes, not physical movement of vehicles.
The 'Pause' Button
In China, the 'Pause' icon (||) is universally understood, but if you need to say it out loud while someone else is holding the remote, `暂停` is your go-to word.
Examples
6等一下，先暂停，我要去拿点零食。
Wait a second, pause first, I'm going to grab some snacks.
A very common way to ask for a break during media playback.
我们能暂停一下吗？大家都太激动了。
Can we pause for a bit? Everyone is too emotional.
Using 'pause' to de-escalate a social situation.
会议暂停十分钟，大家休息一下。
The meeting is paused for ten minutes; everyone take a break.
Formal announcement of a scheduled break.
那个项目先暂停吧，老板有新想法。
Let's pause that project for now; the boss has new ideas.
Used to describe halting work progress.
快暂停！我外卖到了，别让我被杀！
Quick, pause! My delivery is here, don't let me get killed!
Urgent, humorous request during a game.
教练请求暂停。
The coach requested a timeout.
Standard sports terminology.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to pause a video.
电影太感人了，我想___一下拿张纸巾。
`暂停` is used for temporary pauses where you intend to continue shortly.
How would a shop announce they are temporarily closed?
本店因装修，___营业。
`暂停营业` is the standard formal phrase for 'temporarily closed for business.'
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Pause'
Pausing a game with friends
暂停一下！
Standard UI button in an app
暂停键
Official business or sports timeout
暂停营业 / 请求暂停
Where to use 暂停
Video Streaming
Pause the show
Sports
Call a timeout
Work
Take a coffee break
Retail
Temporarily closed
Practice Bank
2 exercises电影太感人了，我想___一下拿张纸巾。
`暂停` is used for temporary pauses where you intend to continue shortly.
本店因装修，___营业。
`暂停营业` is the standard formal phrase for 'temporarily closed for business.'
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for physical objects like cars or bikes, use 停 or 停车. 暂停 is specifically for actions or time-based events.
Yes, you will see it on every video platform like Douyin or Bilibili. It is the standard label for the pause button.
暂停 is temporary (pause), while 停止 is usually permanent or a full stop (cease).
You can say 按暂停键 (àn zàntíng jiàn). 键 means button or key.
Absolutely. It is the standard way to announce a short break, such as 会议暂停十分钟.
You can, but it sounds a bit technical. Most people would say 冷静一下 (cool down a bit) instead.
It means 'Temporarily Closed.' You will see this on shop doors if the owner is away for a short time.
By itself, it can sound like a command. Adding 一下 or 请 makes it much more natural and polite.
Yes, in medical or dramatic contexts, like 呼吸暂停 (sleep apnea/breathing pause).
Not really a slang version, but in gaming, people just shout 暂停 or use the English word 'Pause'.
Related Phrases
停止
To stop/cease permanently
休息
To rest/take a break
中断
To interrupt/break off
打断
To interrupt someone speaking
