jiffy

word

Definition

A 'jiffy' is an informal way to say a very short amount of time, like a moment or an instant.

Usage & Nuances

'Jiffy' is very informal and common in everyday conversation, usually in phrases like 'in a jiffy' or 'back in a jiffy.' It always refers to a short wait, not a long time. Rarely used in formal situations.

Spanish: segundo (coloquial) - instante Portuguese (BR): instante - segundinho (informal)Portuguese (PT): instante - segundinho (informal)Chinese (Simplified): 一会儿 - 一瞬间 Chinese (Traditional): 一會兒 - 一瞬間 Hindi: क्षण भर - पलभर (अनौपचारिक)Arabic: لحظة (عامية) - طرفة عين Bengali: একঝটিতেই - মুহূর্তেই Russian: мгновение - миг - секундочка Japanese: すぐ（に） - あっという間（に）Vietnamese: chốc lát - ngay lập tức Korean: 순식간에 - 금방 Turkish: hemen - bir anda - göz açıp kapayıncaya kadar Urdu: ایک لمحے میں - فوراً Indonesian: sekejap - sebentar

Example Sentences

I'll be back in a jiffy.

basic

Can you finish this in a jiffy?

basic

Dinner will be ready in a jiffy.

basic

Hang tight, I'll fix it in a jiffy.

natural

She disappeared and came back with my order in a jiffy.

natural

If you wait here, someone will help you in a jiffy.

natural