What happens in the video
Theo asks Hana what BRB means. She says "Be right back," and Theo panics, asking where she's going and begging her to take him with her. Hana explains that BRB only means she'll be right back soon, so she isn't leaving forever. Then she leaves anyway, because her tea is cold.
1 I'll be right back.
Tone Friendly and casual
Say this when you leave for a short time and will return soon. In chats and text messages, people often type BRB instead. Don't use it if you'll be gone for hours.
I'll be right back.
For example:
A: Do you want to keep watching the movie?
B: Yes, but I'll be right back. I need some water.
A: OK, I'll pause it.
2 Just give me a minute.
Tone Polite, asks for time
Use it when you need a little time to finish something, think, or get ready. It works with friends and coworkers. The word "just" makes the request softer.
Just give me a minute.
For example:
A: Are you ready to go?
B: Almost. Just give me a minute. I need to find my keys.
3 Hold on a second.
Tone Quick and firm
Use it to stop someone briefly, for example when they speak too fast or start to leave. With a manager or a stranger, a softer line such as "Could you wait a moment?" may sound better.
Hold on a second.
For example:
A: So we meet at six and then go to the station.
B: Hold on a second. I thought we were meeting at seven.
A: Oh, you're right. Seven.
4 BRB
Tone Casual, text only
Type it in a chat, a game, or a text message when you're stepping away for a short time. Don't say it in a work email or a formal message.
For example:
A: Did you see the photos I sent?
B: Not yet. BRB, someone's at the door.
A: No problem.
5 One sec.
Tone Very casual, quick
"Sec" is short for "second." Use it with friends and family when you need a very short moment. It's too casual for most formal situations.
For example:
A: Can you help me with this box?
B: One sec. I'm just finishing this message.
6 Back in five.
Tone Casual and clear
Use it when you know how long you'll be away. "Five" means five minutes. It's common in chats and in quick spoken goodbyes.
For example:
A: Are you joining the call?
B: Yes, back in five. I'm getting a coffee.
7 I need to step away for a minute.
Tone Neutral, works at work
Use it in a meeting, a video call, or at work when you need to leave briefly. It's more polite than "BRB" and fine with a manager or a client.
For example:
A: Let's look at the next slide.
B: Sorry, I need to step away for a minute. Please continue without me.
A: Sure, no problem.
8 Could you wait a moment?
Tone Polite and formal
Use it with customers, older people, or anyone you don't know well. It asks for time without sounding like an order.
For example:
A: I'd like to change my booking, please.
B: Of course. Could you wait a moment? I'll check the system.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
Wait me a minute.Better Wait a minute. / Wait for me a minute.
The verb "wait" needs "for" before a person. Without a person, "Wait a minute" is correct.
-
Not quite
Saying "B-R-B" out loud in a meeting.Better I'll be right back. / I need to step away for a minute.
BRB is mainly for typing. Some people say it as a joke, but in normal speech, especially at work, use the full sentence.
-
Not quite
I'll come back right.Better I'll be right back.
In this phrase, "right" means "very soon" and goes before "back." "Come back right" is not natural English.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
What does BRB mean in a chat?
- Be right back
- Bring Rob back
- Be really busy
- Back by bedtime
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Be right back BRB stands for "be right back," which means you'll return soon.
-
Your friend is talking too fast and you want them to stop for a moment. What do you say?
- Hold on a second.
- Back in five.
- BRB.
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: Hold on a second. "Hold on a second" briefly stops someone, while the other lines say you're leaving.
-
You're in a video call with a client and need to leave briefly. Which line fits best?
- BRB
- One sec.
- I need to step away for a minute.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: I need to step away for a minute. This line is polite and neutral, so it suits work and clients.
-
Which line asks for time politely, for example when you're not ready yet?
- Just give me a minute.
- Hold on a second.
- Back in five.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: Just give me a minute. "Just give me a minute" is a soft, polite request for a little more time.
-
In the Short, why is Theo worried?
- He thinks Hana is leaving forever.
- He doesn't like tea.
- He forgot his phone.
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: He thinks Hana is leaving forever. Theo misunderstands BRB, but it only means Hana will be back soon.
Questions learners ask
What does BRB stand for?
BRB stands for "be right back." It tells the other person that you're leaving the chat for a short time and will return soon. People use it in text messages, online games, and group chats.
Can I say BRB out loud?
Some people say it out loud as a joke with friends, but it's mainly a written short form. In normal speech, say "I'll be right back." At work, "I need to step away for a minute" sounds more professional.
Is "Hold on a second" rude?
It isn't rude, but it can sound quick and firm. With friends it's fine. With a manager, a customer, or a stranger, "Could you wait a moment?" sounds more polite.
How long is "right back"?
"Right back" means a short time, usually a few minutes. If you'll be gone much longer, say how long instead, for example "I'll be back in an hour." That way, the other person knows what to expect.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Theo and Hana are animated characters made with Google Flow.
