待会儿

• Pinyin: dāi huìr
• Hanzi breakdown: 待 = 彳(step) + 寺 (temple); 会 = 人 (person) + 云 (cloud); 儿 = suffix

Meaning

In a moment; in a little while; later. A short time from now.

A colloquial expression for a brief period in the near future. Can also be written as 等会儿. Used when something will happen soon but not immediately. Very common in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 待会儿我再给你打电话，现在手头有点事。 I'll call you back in a bit — I'm a little busy right now.
2. 你先坐着，待会儿我过来找你。 Have a seat first — I'll come find you in a moment.
3. 待会儿见！我很快就到。 See you in a bit! I'll be there soon.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, casual

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 待会儿一起吃饭吧。(Let's eat together in a bit.)
• 待会儿告诉你。(I'll tell you in a moment.)

Don't Say

• 待会儿是口语，正式场合用'稍后'或'一会儿之后' (待会儿 is colloquial — in formal settings, use 稍后 or 一会儿之后)

Origin & History

From 待 (to wait) combined with 会儿 (a short while), meaning to wait a moment or after a moment.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal