pause
word
/ˈpɔz/
pawz
/pˈɔːz/
pawz
Definition
To stop an action or sound for a short time before continuing; also, a short break or stop in speaking, music, or movement.
Usage & Nuances
'Pause' can be both a noun (a short stop) and a verb (to stop briefly). Commonly used in conversations, music, and with electronic devices ('pause the video'). Not overly formal or slang, used in both spoken and written English. Don't confuse with 'stop,' which means a complete ending.
Spanish: pausa - hacer una pausaPortuguese (BR): pausa - pausarPortuguese (PT): pausa - pausarChinese (Simplified): 暂停 - 停顿Chinese (Traditional): 暫停 - 停頓Hindi: ठहराव - विरामArabic: توقف مؤقت - وقفةBengali: বিরতি - থামা (ক্ষণিকের জন্য)Russian: пауза - приостановитьJapanese: 一時停止 - 間（ま）Vietnamese: tạm dừng - ngừng lại (chốc lát)Korean: 일시정지 - 멈춤(잠깐)Turkish: duraklama - araUrdu: وقفہ - عارضی توقفIndonesian: tạm dừng - ngưng (một lúc)
Example Sentences
There was a long pause before he answered.
basic
She took a pause to think before continuing her story.
natural
Can you pause the game? I need to answer the door.
natural
After a brief pause, everyone started laughing.
natural
I pressed the button to pause the movie.
basic
Please pause the music for a moment.
basic