Translation and Meaning of: 暫く - shibaraku

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 暫く [しばらく]. It appears in everyday conversations, animes, and even in song lyrics, but its meaning can be a bit more complex than it seems at first glance. In this article, we will explore what this expression really means, how to use it correctly, and why it is so prevalent in Japanese culture. Here at Suki Nihongo, our aim is to provide clear and practical explanations for those who want to master the language.

Meaning and usage of 暫く [しばらく]

The word 暫く [しばらく] is often translated as "for a while" or "for now," but its meaning goes beyond that. It carries a nuance of something temporary, whether a short or longer period, depending on the context. When someone says しばらくお待ちください, for example, they are asking to wait "a little," but that "little" can vary from minutes to hours.

The interesting thing is that 暫く can also convey the idea of longing or absence. Phrases like しばらく会っていない ("it's been a while since we last met") show how it connects with the Japanese perception of time and relationships. It's not just a chronological measure, but a concept that involves expectation and even a certain nostalgia.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 暫 is composed of two elements: 斬 (cut) and 日 (sun/day). This combination suggests the idea of "interrupting the flow of time," which makes perfect sense when we consider the meaning of the word. Although it is less common in everyday life, the kanji writing appears in formal or literary texts, while the hiragana version (しばらく) is more used in daily speech.

It's worth noting that, although it has ancient roots, 暫く remains a living word in modern Japanese. Unlike some that have fallen out of use, it stays relevant precisely because of its flexibility in expressing temporary pauses of different durations.

Tips for using 暫く correctly

One of the traps for students is to think that 暫く always indicates a short period. In fact, it all depends on the context. If a doctor says that the patient will be しばらく hospitalized, it could be weeks. In しばらくして ("after a while"), the interval is indefinite. The tip here is to pay attention to the words that accompany the expression to understand the temporal scale involved.

Another important point is that 暫く often appears in situations where there is an expectation of return or conclusion. When we say しばらく休む ("rest for a while"), there is the implication that the activity will be resumed later. This characteristic sets it apart from words like 永遠 (eternity), which do not carry this notion of limited temporality.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• しばらく (shibaraku) - A brief period, for a time; it can express an uncertain pause.
• 少しの間 (sukoshi no aida) - For a short period; indicates a shorter duration.
• しばし (shibashi) - A short period of time; similar to しばらく, but slightly less formal.
• しばらくの間 (shibaraku no aida) - For a while; emphasizes the continuity during a period.
• 少しの時間 (sukoshi no jikan) - A little time; used for even shorter and more specific periods.
• 暫時 (zanjii) - Short period, often used in formal contexts.
• 暫くの間 (zabaku no aida) - A while; similar to しばらく, but often used in more formal contexts.
• 暫くの時間 (zabaku no jikan) - A time; emphasizes that the interval is longer.
• 暫くの猶予 (zabaku no yuuho) - A grace period; it implies a pause for consideration or waiting.
• 暫くの余裕 (zabaku no yoyuu) - A break; it indicates a period that allows for some comfort or diversion.