Friends & datingIntermediate
Saying “Just a sec” in English
Natural ways to say wait a moment, like “Just a sec,” “Hang on,” and “Hold on.”
Full script
Lin
Just a sec! I'm almost ready!
Them
You said that ten minutes ago.
Lin
Hang on. I can't find my other shoe.
Them
Check under the bed. The movie starts at seven!
Lin
Give me two minutes. Just two!
Them
It's six fifty-five. The cinema is twenty minutes away.
Lin
Okay, okay. Hold on, where's my phone?
Them
It's in your hand. Let's go!
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Save this
✓ Just a sec!Ask for a short moment
Wait! sounds too strong
Useful
✓ Hang on.Ask someone to wait
Good on calls or while looking
Stalling
✓ Give me two minutes.Asking for a little more time
Often longer than 2 minutes 😅
Sudden thought
✓ Hold on, where's my phone?Pause + ask a question
Often followed by a question
Quick answers
Save this: what to say in English
Say “Just a sec!” — ask for a short moment. Wait! sounds too strong.
Useful: what to say in English
Say “Hang on.” — ask someone to wait. Good on calls or while looking.
Stalling: what to say in English
Say “Give me two minutes.” — asking for a little more time. Often longer than 2 minutes 😅.
Sudden thought: what to say in English
Say “Hold on, where's my phone?” — pause + ask a question. Often followed by a question.