Meaning and Usage
"しばらく" means "a little while" or "for some time." It is commonly used to indicate a short but indefinite period of time. It can refer to the near future, recent past, or a pause in action.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "しばらく" in polite requests, such as "しばらくお待ちください" (Please wait a moment). It is also used to describe not seeing someone for a period, or a short delay before something happens.
Collocations and Patterns
- しばらくお待ちください: polite request to wait briefly
- しばらく会っていない: haven't met for a while
- しばらくすると: after a short time
Register and Nuance
"しばらく" is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite speech. It implies a short, temporary duration without specifying exact length.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "しばらく" with "少し" (a little) which focuses more on quantity rather than time. Remember, "しばらく" relates to time duration.