Overview
| Summary | “Chotto Mate” translates to “Wait a minute!” in English. This phrase became popularized as a catchphrase on the Japanese variety show Aiseki Shokudou . On the show, comedians interrupt video footage by pressing a buzzer and shouting “Chotto Mate!” when something unexpected or hilarious happens. It has since become a popular meme phrase used in real life and online to express surprise, disbelief, or confusion. |
| Japanese Writing | ちょっと待て（ちょっとまて） |
| Genre | Japanese Comedy / Variety Show Catchphrase |
| Typical Age Group | Teens to Adults (15–50) |
| Audience | Fans of Japanese comedy, variety shows, reaction culture, and casual Japanese learners. Also popular among meme communities online. |
| Popularity | ★★★★☆ |
| Relevance | ★★★★☆ |
| Usability | ★★★★☆ |
| When to Use | Use “Chotto Mate” when something unexpected, ridiculous, or questionable happens. It’s a fun and exaggerated way to react to surprises or awkward moments. |
| How to Use | Say “Chotto Mate!” in a loud, sharp tone while raising one hand or pressing an imaginary buzzer. Bonus points if you follow it with a dramatic pause and a comedic comment, just like on Aiseki Shokudou. |
| Cultural Note | Aiseki Shokudou is a popular Japanese variety show where celebrity guests visit local eateries across Japan. The hosts, comedians Chidori (Nobu and Daigo), react to the footage in real-time by pausing it with the phrase “Chotto Mate!” to deliver jokes or express disbelief. The show’s signature use of this phrase turned it into a mainstream comedic device, frequently imitated both on TV and online. |
Original performance
You can hear a similar phrase at about 1:50 in this YouTube video.