- 待機 — standby, waiting
- 期待 — expectation, hope
- 招待 — invitation
- 待合室 — waiting room
- 待ち時間 — waiting time
- 待ち合わせ — appointment, meeting up
The character 待 combines the “step” radical (彳) with 寺 (temple), expressing the idea of standing or pausing respectfully — thus meaning to “wait.” It’s widely used in both literal and figurative expressions of anticipation.
バス停で五分ほど待ちました。
I waited about five minutes at the bus stop.
しばらく待って ください。
Please wait a moment.
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