待つ
まつ · matsu · JLPT N5 · verb-godan
to wait
⏳ matsu sounds like mats: wait on the mats until your name is called
The kanji 待 = 彳 (step, going) + 寺 (temple): you go to the temple and wait there. 松 (pine) is also read matsu, a classic Japanese pun: the pine tree waits.
待 — chì 彳 (step) + 寺 sì (temple/phonetic)
待 combines the 'step' radical 彳, suggesting movement or a path, with 寺, which serves as the phonetic component. Originally it conveyed the idea of stopping along a road, which extended to 'waiting.' Over time it also took on related meanings like 'to treat' or 'to deal with' someone.