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How to Say ‘Waiting’ in Japanese

お待ちして

おまちして

💬 Usage Tip: The verb [待つ] (matsu) means 'to wait'. Adding [して] turns it into 'waiting'.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Punctuality is important in Japan, so [お待ちして] implies readiness and respect for time.

Phrase Breakdown

おお

honorific prefix

A polite prefix to indicate respect for the action.

Example

お電話します。

I will call you.

待ちまち

wait (stem)

Root of the verb 'to wait'.

Example

待ち時間が長いです。

The waiting time is long.

してして

doing

Conjunctive form of 'to do'.

Example

勉強してます。

I am studying.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

おお

[o]

polite prefix

A polite prefix attached to words to show respect or politeness.

Example

お待ちしている間にメニューを見てください。

Please look at the menu while you wait.

待ちまち

[machi]

wait

Refers to waiting or to wait.

Example

お待ちしている間にお飲み物をどうぞ。

Please enjoy a drink while you wait.

しし

[shi]

do (polite)

Indicates the action of doing in a formal or polite manner.

Example

お待ちしてください。

Please wait.

てて

[te]

and then

Used to connect actions, indicating continuation.

Example

お待ちして、すぐにご案内します。

Please wait, and we will guide you shortly.

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