How to say "wait" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 待つまつgodan verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe general verb for waiting: to stay until someone or something comes, or until something happens. Use it for waiting for a person or an event — the plain, neutral 'wait'.
- 待ち構えるまちかまえるichidan verb, transitive verbNot the word for simply waiting: it means to lie in wait for or be on the watch for something, waiting preparedly for what is expected to come, such as an opponent or challenge.
Choose 「待つ」 for ordinary waiting—staying until someone or something comes or something happens; reserve 「待ち構える」 for waiting watchfully and preparedly for something expected to appear, the sense of lying in wait.
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).
