Chotto means 'a little'. It's a Japanese word often used when requesting something.

Can chotto mean wait?

Chotto means "a small amount/degree," and kudasai means "please." This phrase can be used in many different ways where it's appropriate to say "wait a moment." For example, a shop keeper speaking to a customer in a more relaxed tone. A much more formal way to say "wait a moment" is Shou-shou o-machi kudasai.

Is chotto informal?

It means “a little bit, slightly.” Chotto is an informal expression, but if used with the proper context and with the correct verb tense – as we will go through later on – it is adaptable in formal situations too. 待って(matte) comes from the verb 待つ (matsu) “to wait” in the –te form.