How to say "await" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 待ち受けるまちうけるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers awaiting in the sense of expecting or waiting for something to come, often an event, development, or fate that lies ahead. It carries a nuance of being positioned to receive what arrives, as in awaiting the results or what the future holds.
- 待つまつgodan verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe ordinary, versatile word for waiting for or looking forward to a person, thing, or moment. When you simply mean you wait for a bus, a friend, or an opportunity, this is the word you want.
Use 「待つ」 for the everyday act of waiting for someone or something, and 「待ち受ける」 for expecting or lying in wait for something, often an event or outcome one anticipates.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
