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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to wait' with 等待 (děngdài)

    Actions & Events
    Aspect & Tense

    Structure

    等待 + 着 + Object

    Explanation

    The verb 等待 (děngdài) means 'to wait' or 'to await.' It is a more formal synonym of 等 and is often used with 着 to emphasize the ongoing nature of the waiting. It can take a direct object indicating what or whom one is waiting for.

    Examples

    • 我们在机场等待了三个小时。

      Wǒmen zài jīchǎng děngdài le sān gè xiǎoshí.

      We waited at the airport for three hours.

    • 他一直等待着她的回信。

      Tā yìzhí děngdài zhe tā de huíxìn.

      He has been waiting for her reply.

    • 请耐心等待，医生马上就来。

      Qǐng nàixīn děngdài, yīshēng mǎshàng jiù lái.

      Please wait patiently; the doctor will be here soon.