In a second Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsɛkənd

IN-uh SEK-uhnd

UK

ˈɪn/ /æɪ/ /ˈsɛkɪnd

IN-uh SEK-ind

Definition

Used to say that something will happen very soon or very quickly, almost immediately. Often used informally to mean 'right away' or 'just a moment.'

Usage & Nuances

Very informal, used mostly in speech. Similar to 'just a second,' 'in a minute,' and 'give me a sec,' but slightly less precise than 'immediately.' Common in requests and responses, especially when asking for or giving a short delay.

• Spanish: en un segundo
• Portuguese (BR): em um segundo
• Portuguese (PT): em um segundo
• Chinese (Simplified): 马上 - 一会儿
• Chinese (Traditional): 馬上 - 一會兒
• Hindi: एक सेकंड में
• Arabic: في ثانية
• Bengali: এক সেকেন্ডে - একটু পরেই
• Russian: через секунду - сейчас
• Japanese: すぐに - 一瞬で
• Vietnamese: ngay lập tức - trong giây lát
• Korean: 금방 - 바로
• Turkish: hemen - bir saniye içinde
• Urdu: ایک سیکنڈ میں - فوراً
• Indonesian: sebentar lagi - dalam sedetik

Example Sentences

I'll be there in a second.

basic

Can you help me in a second?

basic

Wait here, I'll be back in a second.

basic

Just give me a hand in a second, okay?

natural

I'll call you back in a second, promise.

natural

Can you hold on? I'll be with you in a second.

natural