Pronunciation: [mˈatənˌa͡ɪ] (IPA) 
Mattenai, also spelled as Māṭṭenay or Māṭṭənay (מַתְּנַי), is a Hebrew name mentioned in the Old Testament. It is composed of two Hebrew words: "Matten" meaning gift and "ai" which means from the Lord. The word "Mattenai" is pronounced ˌmætəˈnaɪ, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as the short "a" sound in "cat," while the second syllable is pronounced as "nai" with a long "i," as in "hi."
Mattenai is a Japanese term that can be translated as "no need to wait" or "no need to hold back." It is primarily used in the context of politeness and consideration towards others. The word is formed by combining the characters "matsu" (待つ), meaning "to wait," and "nai" (ない), meaning "not."
In Japanese culture, patience and respect for others' time and space are highly valued. Mattenai reflects this value by conveying the idea that there is no need for someone to continue waiting or holding back their desires or needs, as their presence or actions won't cause inconvenience or disturbance to others. It serves as a way to encourage individuals to take action without feeling hesitant, especially when dealing with small requests or in situations where one's presence or actions wouldn't disrupt others.
Mattenai is often used in everyday conversations to express an open invitation or a reassurance that one's request or presence is welcome and not burdensome. It can be seen as a way of promoting a harmonious and considerate environment where people are encouraged to express themselves freely without worrying about causing trouble or inconvenience.
