数分(すうふん)

A very common time expression using the prefix 数(すう) (several) with the counter 分(ふん) (minutes). Frequently used for short waiting times, travel distances, and cooking instructions.

Common collocations

• 数分(すうふん)後(ご): a few minutes later
• 数分(すうふん)以内(いない): within a few minutes
• 数分(すうふん)おきに: every few minutes
• 数分(すうふん)間(かん): for several minutes
• 徒歩(とほ)数分(すうふん): a few minutes on foot

Related words

• 数秒(すうびょう): several seconds
• 数時間(すうじかん): several hours
• 数日(すうじつ): several days

Similar words

• 何分(なんぷん)か: some minutes — slightly more vague
• 二、三分(にさんぷん): two or three minutes — narrower range
• しばらく: a while — much vaguer