Japanese symbol for “wait”
待つ
まつ
Romaji: matsu
to wait
In Japanese, wait is 待つ, read まつ (matsu).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- v5t, vi, vt to wait
- v5t, vi, vt to await; to look forward to; to anticipate
- v5t, vi, vt to depend on; to need
Written forms: 待つ、俟つ. Readings: まつ.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “wait”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 待ち構える | まちかまえる machikamaeru | to lie in wait (for); to be on the watch (for); to wait (for) |
| ウェイト | ウェイト weito | wait (state) |
| 待った | まった matta | wait!; hold up! |
| 何々 | なになに naninani | what?; wait; hang on |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 期待 | きたい kitai | expectation; anticipation; hope |
| 招待 | しょうたい shoutai | invitation |
| 待機 | たいき taiki | standing by; awaiting an opportunity; being on alert |
| 待遇 | たいぐう taiguu | treatment; reception; service |
| 接待 | せったい settai | entertainment (of guests; esp. in the corporate world); treating (to food and drinks); wining and dining |
See also: Chinese symbol for “wait”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.