Japanese word

待ち構える

Pronunciation

Romajimachikamaeru

Meaning

  • verbbe on the lookout for ___

Example

記者は会場で大臣の到着を待ち構えます。ki sha wa kai jō de dai jin no tō chaku o ma chi kama e ma su

The reporter is on the lookout for the minister's arrival at the venue.

Illustration for 待ち構える (be on the lookout for ___)

More examples

野鳥観察者たちは林の中で珍しい鳥を待ち構えています。ya chō kan satsu sha ta chi wa hayashi no naka de mezura shi i tori o ma chi kama e te i ma su

The birdwatchers are on the lookout for a rare bird in the woods.

Core concept

Expresses staying alert and ready while waiting for someone or something expected to arrive.

Common phrases

  • 敵を待ち構えるteki o ma chi kama e ru

    be on the lookout for an enemy

  • 獲物を待ち構えるe mono o ma chi kama e ru

    lie in wait for prey

  • 到着を待ち構えるtō chaku o ma chi kama e ru

    wait for an arrival

Similar words

待ち受けるmachiukeru: To remain ready for an expected person or thing and await its arrival.
張り込むharikomu: To watch from a fixed place for a person or event, especially during reporting or an investigation.

Definition in Japanese

来るものを予測し、すぐに対応できるよう身構えて待つ。ku ru mo no o yo soku shi su gu ni tai ō de ki ru yō mi gama e te ma tsu

Word origin

待ち構える (machikamaeru) combines 待ち (machi, "waiting"), the connecting form of 待つ (matsu, "wait"), with 構える (kamaeru, "get ready or take a position").

Usage tips

  • In news contexts, 待ち構える (machikamaeru) commonly presents reporters as actively watching for a person to appear rather than merely remaining at the venue.

Other meanings

  • lie in waitverb
  • wait for ___verb

Word lists with this word