しばし

• Reading: しばし
• Romaji: shibashi
• Kanji breakdown: 暫 (zan/shiba) — temporary, brief
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ba.ɕi/

Meaning

For a short while; for a brief moment; briefly. A literary word for a brief period of time.

An adverb meaning 'for a short while' or 'briefly.' More literary and elegant than しばらく (for a while), and typically used in written language, narration, or formal speech. Often appears in expressions like しばし待つ (wait a moment) or しばし考える (ponder briefly). Occasionally written in kanji as 暫し.

Examples

1. 彼女はしばし考えてから答えを出した。 She thought for a brief moment before giving her answer.
2. 美しい景色にしばし足を止めた。 I stopped in my tracks for a moment, taken in by the beautiful scenery.
3. しばしのお別れですが、またすぐに会えるでしょう。 It's a brief farewell, but I'm sure we'll see each other again soon.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, narration, formal speech

Tone: literary

Origin & History

An adverb from classical Japanese, related to しばらく (for a while). The shorter form しばし conveys a briefer duration and has a more poetic, literary quality. Occasionally written with the kanji 暫.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal