稍候

• Pinyin: shāo hòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 稍 = 禾 + 肖 (slightly); 候 = 亻+ 侯 (to wait, to attend upon)

Meaning

Please wait a moment. A polite verbal request asking someone to wait briefly.

Unlike 稍后 (an adverb for timing), 稍候 is a verb phrase meaning 'please wait a short while.' Used in service industry, phone calls, and formal interactions. Very polite and professional in tone.

Examples

1. 请稍候，我帮您查询一下。 Please hold on while I look that up for you.
2. 稍候片刻，您的餐点马上就好。 Just a moment—your meal will be ready right away.
3. 客服人员请您稍候，正在为您转接。 The customer service representative asked you to hold on while they transfer you.

Usage Guide

Context: service industry, customer service, hospitality

Tone: polite

Do Say

• 您好，请稍候，我帮您联系相关部门。(Hello, please hold on a moment — I'll connect you with the relevant department.)
• 请稍候，您的座位马上安排好。(Please wait a moment; your seat will be arranged right away.)

Don't Say

• 把稍候当形容词用 — 稍候 is a verb phrase (please wait); use 稍后 as the adverb (later/shortly)

Origin & History

稍 (a little) + 候 (wait) — to wait just a little while

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal