Often hear ‘Chotto Matte’ in anime or dramas? The real meaning is more than
‘Wait a moment’! Check out the explanation here!
You must be familiar with these phrases if you watch anime or Japanese dramas
often. Many people assume that Chotto Matte means “Wait a moment,” but it
carries different nuances depending on the situation. Let’s dive deeper!
1. The Basic Meaning of ‘Chotto Matte’
Literally, “ちょっと待って (Chotto Matte)” means “Wait a moment.” This phrase
is casual and commonly used in everyday conversations with friends or people
you are familiar with.
Example:
A: もう行くの？(Mou iku no?) – Are you leaving already?
B: ちょっと待って！(Chotto Matte!) – Wait a moment!
2. ‘Chotto Matte Kudasai’ for Formal Situations
If you want to sound more polite, add “ください (Kudasai)” at the end, making
it “ちょっと待ってください (Chotto Matte Kudasai).” This is often used in
workplaces, when speaking to someone older, or in a formal setting.
Example:
A: すみません、少し時間をいただけますか？(Sumimasen, sukoshi jikan o
itadakemasu ka?) – Excuse me, may I take a little of your time?
B: はい、ちょっと待ってください。(Hai, Chotto Matte Kudasai.) – Yes, please
wait a moment.
3. ‘Chotto Matte’ Can Express Hesitation or Surprise
Interestingly, “Chotto Matte” doesn’t just mean “wait” but can also indicate
hesitation or surprise before responding to something.
Example:
A: 明日、朝5時に集合ね！(Ashita, asa goji ni shuugou ne!) – Let’s
meet at 5 AM tomorrow!
B: え？ちょっと待って…(E? Chotto Matte…) – Eh? Wait a second… (Are you serious
about 5 AM?)
Now you know that Chotto Matte Meaning is not just “Wait a moment,” but can
have different meanings depending on the context. Use it correctly to make
your conversations more natural!
