Wait for Meaning in English
expression
ˈweɪt/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
WAYT-for, WAYT-fer, WAYT-fur
wˈeɪt/ /fˈɔː
WAYT-faw
Definition
To stay in a place or not take action until someone arrives or something happens.
Usage & Nuances
Always use 'wait for' before a person or thing (e.g., 'wait for the bus'). Do not say 'wait the bus'. In casual speech, 'for' is sometimes dropped, but this is nonstandard.
Spanish: esperar a - esperar porPortuguese (BR): esperar por - aguardar porPortuguese (PT): esperar por - aguardar porChinese (Simplified): 等候Chinese (Traditional): 等候Hindi: के लिए इंतजार करनाArabic: ينتظر (لـ)Bengali: অপেক্ষা করাRussian: ждатьJapanese: 待つVietnamese: chờ - đợiKorean: 기다리다Turkish: beklemekUrdu: انتظار کرناIndonesian: menunggu
Example Sentences
Please wait for me at the door.
basic
We had to wait for the train for an hour.
basic
Children wait for their parents after school.
basic
I can't wait for the weekend—I'm so tired!
natural
Did you wait for someone, or did you come alone?
natural
Let’s grab a coffee while we wait for the movie to start.
natural