Translation and Meaning of: 待つ - matsu

The word 「待つ」 (matsu) in Japanese is a verb that means "to wait" or "to await." This word plays a fundamental role in the Japanese language, both in everyday context and in idiomatic and cultural expressions. The verb is conjugated in various ways, such as 「待っている」 (matteiru) for "being in a state of waiting" and 「待ちます」 (machimasu) in a more polite and formal form.

In terms of etymology, 「待つ」 consists of a single kanji 「待」, which is a combination of the radicals 「彳」 (the radical for "walking" or "step") and 「寺」 (temple). The radical 「彳」 often relates to activities connected to action or movement, such as advancement or progress, while 「寺」 can bring connotations of time or waiting due to the idea of being stationary or immobile, like in a temple. Therefore, the combination of these ideas leads us to the concept of being still or waiting.

Historically, the verb 「待つ」 has its roots deeply linked to Japanese culture, where patience and waiting are often seen as virtues. This cultural conception is reflected in various Japanese expressions and proverbs, such as 「待てば海路の日和あり」 (Mateba kairo no hiwaria), which translates approximately as "Good fortune comes to those who wait." Therefore, the use of the word not only describes the act of waiting but also often carries a subtext of patience and perseverance.

In a more modern context, 「待つ」 is still widely used, being integrated into many expressions and everyday situations. From waiting for someone in a café to the technological context of waiting for a web page to load, the verb adapts to various situations in contemporary life. This versatility ensures that 「待つ」 remains an essential word in the vocabulary of any Japanese language student.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 待つ

• 待つ - basic form
• 待って - imperative form
• 待った - Simple past form
• 待っている - Present continuous form
• 待ちます - Polite Present Form

Synonyms and similar words

• 待ち続ける (machi tsuzukeru) - continue waiting
• 待ちわびる (machiwabiru) - eagerly await
• 期待する (kitai suru) - hope (something positive)
• 予期する (yoki suru) - foresee; anticipate (it can be something positive or negative)
• 期待に応える (kitai ni kotaeru) - meet expectations
• 期待に応じる (kitai ni oujiru) - adjust to expectations
• 期待に沿う (kitai ni sou) - to be in line with expectations
• 期待に違わない (kitai ni Kawaranai) - do not diverge from expectations
• 期待に反する (kitai ni hansuru) - contradict expectations
• 期待外れ (kitai hazure) - disappointment; something that does not meet expectations
• 期待を裏切る (kitai o uragir) - betray expectations
• 期待を裏切らない (kitai o uragiranai) - not betray expectations
• 期待を裏切らせる (kitai o uragiraseru) - make someone betray expectations
• 期待を裏切るような (kitai o uragiru you na) - something that betrays expectations
• 期待を裏切ること (kitai o uragiru koto) - the act of betraying expectations
• 期待を裏切らないこと (kitai o uragiranai koto) - the act of not betraying expectations
• 期待を裏切らせること (kitai o uragiraseru koto) - the act of making someone betray expectations
• 期待を裏切る原因 (kitai o uragiru gen'in) - cause of betrayal of expectations
• 期待を裏切る理由 (kitai o uragiru riyuu) - reason to betray expectations
• 期待を裏切る場合 (kitai o uragiru baai) - case of betrayal of expectations

待つ

Romaji: matsu
Kana: まつ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: wait

Meaning in English: to wait

Definition: To see the conclusion of an action or event.

Example Sentences - (待つ) matsu

See below some example sentences:

雨が止むまで待ちましょう。

Ame ga yamu made machimashou

Let's wait until the rain stops.

Wait until the rain stops.

• 雨 - It means "rain" in Japanese.
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 止む - verb meaning "stop" in Japanese
• まで - Particle indicating "until" in Japanese
• 待ち - verb meaning "wait" in Japanese
• ましょう - Polite and polite way of the verb "esperar" in Japanese

少々お待ちください。

Shoushou omachi kudasai

Please wait a moment.

Please wait a while.

• 少々 - shoushou (a little)
• お待ち - wait
• ください - please

待ち遠しい夏休みが始まる。

Machi tooshii natsu yasumi ga hajimaru

I'm looking forward to the summer break.

The long summer vacation begins.

• 待ち遠しい - anxiously awaiting
• 夏休み - Summer holidays
• が - subject particle
• 始まる - start