待つ vs 待機する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 待つ
Listen to 待機する
| 待つ | 待機する |
|---|---|
MA-tsu verb | たいきする verb |
| to wait; to stay in a place or delay an action until something happens | to stand by; to remain on standby and wait for instructions or a signal |
How they differ
待機する is more formal and often implies waiting in an organized or assigned state, such as for orders, a call, or an emergency. 待つ is broader and can describe any ordinary waiting, including casual or personal situations.
When to use each
When to use 待つ: Use 待つ for general waiting, such as waiting for a friend, a bus, or news.
When to use 待機する: Use 待機する when someone is being kept ready for action, especially in work, military, medical, or technical contexts.
Side-by-side examples
- 友達を駅で待つ。
(I’m waiting for my friend at the station.) - 救急車が到着するまで待機する。
(We will stand by until the ambulance arrives.)
Register & nuance: 待機する is more formal and operational, while 待つ is neutral and used in everyday conversation.