Can you hold Meaning in English

expression · lemma: hold

US

ˈkæn/, /kən/ /ˈju/ /ˈhoʊɫd

KAN-yoo HOHLD or kuhn-yoo HOHLD

UK

kˈæn/ /jˈuː/ /hˈəʊld

KAN-YOO HOHLD

Definition

This expression is mainly used to politely ask someone to wait, especially when speaking on the phone. It can also be used in other situations where you need someone to pause or wait for a moment.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used in phone conversations: 'Can you hold?' or 'Can you hold for a second?' means 'please wait on the line.' In person, you might add more context ('Can you hold this for me?'), but alone, it usually means 'wait.' Always polite; add 'please' in formal settings ('Can you hold, please?'). Common mistake: don't use this for carrying objects unless you add what to hold.

• Spanish: ¿puedes esperar? - ¿puedes aguantar? (teléfono)
• Portuguese (BR): você pode esperar? - você pode aguardar? (no telefone)
• Portuguese (PT): podes esperar? - podes aguardar? (ao telefone)
• Chinese (Simplified): 你能等一下吗？ - 你能稍等吗？（电话上）
• Chinese (Traditional): 你能等一下嗎？ - 你能稍等嗎？（電話上）
• Hindi: क्या आप रुक सकते हैं? - क्या आप लाइन पर रहेंगे? (फ़ोन पर)
• Arabic: هل يمكنك الانتظار؟ - هل يمكنك البقاء على الخط؟ (في الهاتف)
• Bengali: একটু অপেক্ষা করবেন
• Russian: можете подождать
• Japanese: 少々お待ちいただけますか
• Vietnamese: bạn có thể giữ máy
• Korean: 잠시만 기다려 주실 수 있나요
• Turkish: bekleyebilir misiniz
• Urdu: کیا آپ انتظار کر سکتے ہیں
• Indonesian: bisa menunggu sebentar

Example Sentences

Can you hold for a moment while I check your file?

basic

Sorry, can you hold while I get my manager?

basic

Can you hold on the line, please?

basic

Just a sec, can you hold while I pull up your account?

natural

I'm getting another call—can you hold for just a minute?

natural

Can you hold? I promise I’ll be quick.

natural