Just a second Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈdʒəst/, /dʒɪst/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsɛkənd

JUHST-uh-SEK-und

UK

dʒˈʌst/ /æɪ/ /ˈsɛkɪnd

JUHST-uh-SEK-ind

Definition

A phrase used to ask someone to wait for a very short time, usually just a moment.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and friendly; commonly said before doing something quickly. Similar to 'hold on' or 'just a moment.' Not literally one second—means a short wait.

• Spanish: un segundo - un momento
• Portuguese (BR): só um segundo - só um momento
• Portuguese (PT): só um segundo - só um momento
• Chinese (Simplified): 等一下 - 稍等一下
• Chinese (Traditional): 等一下 - 稍等一下
• Hindi: बस एक सेकंड - ज़रा रुकिए
• Arabic: لحظة واحدة - انتظر لحظة
• Bengali: এক সেকেন্ড - একটু অপেক্ষা করুন
• Russian: секундочку - одну секунду
• Japanese: ちょっと待って - 少しだけ
• Vietnamese: chờ một chút - đợi một lát
• Korean: 잠깐만 - 잠시만
• Turkish: bir saniye - bir dakika
• Urdu: ایک سیکنڈ - ذرا رکیے
• Indonesian: sebentar - tunggu sebentar

Example Sentences

Just a second, I'll get my keys.

basic

Can you wait just a second?

basic

I'll call you back in just a second.

basic

Could you hang on just a second while I check?

natural

Sorry, can you hold on just a second? I'll be right with you.

natural

Thanks for waiting—here you go! That took just a second.

natural