保留をする
suspend
Literally: to do a retention/holding
Use this phrase to buy time politely without damaging social harmony or giving a final 'no'.
In 15 Seconds
- Pressing pause on a decision or a phone call.
- A polite way to avoid saying 'no' immediately.
- Essential for business meetings and social negotiations.
Meaning
It means putting a decision, a phone call, or an action on 'pause' while you think or wait for more information. It's like saying 'let's keep this in the air for a bit' instead of giving a final answer.
Key Examples
3 of 6On a business phone call
確認しますので、一旦保留をさせていただきます。
I will check on that, so I will put you on hold for a moment.
A friend asks for a decision on a trip
旅行に行くかどうか、明日まで保留させて！
Let me put the decision about the trip on hold until tomorrow!
Receiving a job offer
内定のお返事を一週間保留してもよろしいでしょうか。
Would it be alright if I put my answer to the job offer on hold for a week?
Cultural Background
In Japan, avoiding direct conflict is a social art form. Using this phrase allows someone to decline an offer or delay a decision without being rude. It is also deeply tied to the business practice of 'Ringi,' where decisions require consensus from multiple departments.
The 'Soft No' Secret
In Japanese business, if someone says they will 'put it on hold' indefinitely, it might actually be a very polite 'no'. Pay attention to the follow-up!
Don't Overuse It
Using `保留` too often in personal relationships can make you seem like you're 'ghosting' or avoiding responsibility. Use it with a specific deadline.
In 15 Seconds
- Pressing pause on a decision or a phone call.
- A polite way to avoid saying 'no' immediately.
- Essential for business meetings and social negotiations.
What It Means
保留をする is like hitting the pause button on life. You aren't saying yes. You aren't saying no. You are simply keeping things in the air. Think of it as 'holding' a thought or a call. It is perfect for when you need more time to think. It keeps the door open without committing to anything yet.
How To Use It
You usually use it with decisions or phone calls. Just add する to the noun 保留. You can say 今回の件は保留にします. This means 'I will put this matter on hold.' It works for phone calls too. When you press the hold button, that is 保留. You can also use it for feelings or relationships. It is a very versatile 'pause' button for your daily life.
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting. Maybe you need to check with your boss first. Use it when someone asks you out. If you aren't sure, 保留 is your best friend. It buys you some breathing room. It is very common in customer service too. Use it when you are shopping and can't decide on that expensive jacket. It is the ultimate tool for the indecisive but polite person.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if a building is on fire. Some things need an immediate 'yes' or 'no.' If you use it too much, you look indecisive. It can feel like you are avoiding the truth. Don't use it for simple things like 'Do you want water?' That would just be weird. Avoid it when someone needs a life-or-death answer immediately. It can frustrate people if used as a permanent delay tactic.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture values harmony, known as 和. Saying 'no' directly can feel like a slap in the face. 保留をする acts as a polite buffer. It lets both parties save face. It is the 'let me think about it' of Japan. It is a soft way to navigate social friction. It reflects the Japanese preference for ambiguity over bluntness. It keeps the relationship smooth while you process your thoughts.
Common Variations
保留にする is very common and sounds very natural. 保留中 means 'currently on hold' or 'pending.' You might see this on a computer screen or a task list. 保留音 is that catchy, synthesized melody you hear on hold. Everyone in Japan knows that classic electronic 'hold' music! You might also hear 一時保留, which means a 'temporary hold' for extra precision.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very safe to use in almost any context. Just remember that in business, it's better to use `保留にさせていただきます` to sound humble and professional.
The 'Soft No' Secret
In Japanese business, if someone says they will 'put it on hold' indefinitely, it might actually be a very polite 'no'. Pay attention to the follow-up!
Don't Overuse It
Using `保留` too often in personal relationships can make you seem like you're 'ghosting' or avoiding responsibility. Use it with a specific deadline.
The Hold Music
The standard Japanese hold music is often a version of 'Greensleeves' or 'Minuet in G'. It's so iconic that hearing it immediately triggers the feeling of `保留`.
Examples
6確認しますので、一旦保留をさせていただきます。
I will check on that, so I will put you on hold for a moment.
A standard, polite way to ask a client to wait.
旅行に行くかどうか、明日まで保留させて！
Let me put the decision about the trip on hold until tomorrow!
Casual use among friends to ask for more time.
内定のお返事を一週間保留してもよろしいでしょうか。
Would it be alright if I put my answer to the job offer on hold for a week?
Very formal and necessary for career negotiations.
気持ちは嬉しいけど、返事は保留にさせてください。
I'm happy about your feelings, but please let me put my answer on hold.
A gentle way to say 'I need time to think' after a confession.
デザートはとりあえず保留でお願いします。
Let's put the dessert on hold for now, please.
Telling the waiter you'll decide later.
その魅力的な提案、一生保留にしてもいいですか？
Can I put that 'attractive' offer on hold for the rest of my life?
A sarcastic way to say you're never going to buy it.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the phrase meaning 'to put on hold'.
その件は一旦、保留___します。
While both `を` and `に` work, `保留にする` is the most common way to say 'to put (something) into a state of hold'.
Complete the sentence to politely ask for time to think.
少し考えたいので、返事を___させてください。
`保留` means to put on hold/suspend, whereas `停止` is to stop and `中止` is to cancel.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Horyu'
Used with friends when you can't decide on dinner.
保留で！ (Horyu de!)
Standard way to delay a decision or call.
保留にします。 (Horyu ni shimasu.)
Business settings or talking to superiors.
保留させていただきます。 (Horyu sasete itadakimasu.)
When to Use 保留をする
Phone Call
Putting a customer on hold.
Job Offer
Asking for time to consider a contract.
Romance
Thinking over a confession of love.
Shopping
Waiting to buy an expensive item.
Meetings
Deferring a decision to the next meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions保留 (horyu) means to put a decision or status on hold. 延期 (enki) means to reschedule a specific event to a later date, like a wedding or a game.
Not really. You put a *decision* or an *answer* on hold. You wouldn't say 彼を保留する unless you mean you're putting his application or a call from him on hold.
No, it is actually very professional. It shows you are being careful. Just use the polite form 保留にさせていただきます.
It means 'Pending'. You will see this for downloads, print jobs, or status updates that haven't finished yet.
Usually, you are the one being put on hold. The operator will say 保留にします. If you want to ask them to wait, say 少々お待ちください.
Both are used, but 保留にする (to make it a hold) is slightly more common when talking about decisions. 保留をする is often used for the physical act of pressing the hold button.
Yes! It is the perfect way to give a 'maybe' without sounding flaky. It implies you are actively considering it.
Not exactly slang, but in casual speech, people just say 保留で！ (Horyu de!) to mean 'Keep it on hold!'
Not necessarily, but it can be a 'cushion' for a negative result later. It buys time for the other person to prepare for a 'no'.
It is the 'hold music' played over the phone. It is a compound of 保留 (hold) and 音 (sound/music).
Related Phrases
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