待つ

まつ
Alternative writings: 俟つ
JLPT:N5
Frequency:
1

To wait — to remain in a place or delay action until a person or event arrives or occurs.

U-VerbTransitive VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

駅で友達が来るのを一時間待った。

I waited an hour at the station for my friend to arrive.

バスが来るまでここで待っていてください。

Please wait here until the bus comes.

電車の遅延で長く待たされた。

I was kept waiting a long time because the train was delayed.

2

To await; to look forward to; to anticipate — to expect something with pleasure or interest.

U-VerbTransitive VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

夏休みをずっと待っていた。

I've been looking forward to summer vacation the whole time.

新作映画の公開を楽しみに待っている。

I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the new movie.

次のシーズンの開幕を待つファンが多い。

Many fans are waiting for the start of the next season.

3

To depend on or count on (usually appears in negative expressions, e.g. 'there's no point in waiting/depending on X').

U-VerbTransitive VerbIntransitive Verb

Examples

彼に任せて待つわけにはいかない。自分で動かなければ。

I can't just leave it to him and wait. I have to act myself.

外部の支援を当てに待つことはできないから、自分たちで解決策を考えよう。

We can't just rely on outside help and wait, so let's come up with a solution ourselves.

Word Relationships

Derivations
Masu-Form待ちます
Nai-Form待たない
Ta-Form待った
Te-Form待って
Ba-Form待てば
Volitional Form待とう
Imperative Form待て
Potential Form待てる
Passive Form待たれる
Causative Form待たせる
Causative Passive Form待たせられる