Quick answer
待 is the kanji for "to wait". It is a JLPT N4 kanji. The main reading is ま.つ (matsu). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
to wait
Also : to expect · to depend on
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 待 represents 'WAIT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of wait.
On-reading: たい — remember this sound by associating it with wait. Kun-reading: ま.つ.
Example Sentences
友達を一時間待ちました。
ともだちをいちじかんまちました。
I waited for my friend for an hour.
楽しみに待っています。
たのしみにまっています。
I'm looking forward to it.
Vocabulary using 待
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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