Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Wait in Spanish: Esperar
Esperar · verb · ehs-peh-RAHR
The English verb 'to wait' translates to 'esperar' in Spanish. Importantly, 'esperar' also means 'to hope' and 'to expect,' so context is key to understanding the intended meaning. It is a regular -ar verb and one of the most versatile words in the Spanish language.
ehs-peh-RAHR
Espera un momento, ya casi termino.
Wait a moment, I'm almost done.
Wait in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for wait, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| esperar | wait | ehs-peh-RAHR | Default, widely understood |
| aguardar | wait | formal or literary usage |
How Native Speakers Use Esperar
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Asking to wait
¿Puedes esperar cinco minutos mientras me cambio?
Can you wait five minutes while I change?
Requesting patience during a brief delay.
At a restaurant
Tuvimos que esperar una hora para conseguir mesa.
We had to wait an hour to get a table.
Describing a long wait at a busy establishment.
Expressing hope
Espero que todo salga bien en tu entrevista.
I hope everything goes well in your interview.
Using 'esperar' in its 'to hope' meaning with the subjunctive.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Esperar
Multiple meanings confusion
Incorrect: Espero el autobús. (thinking it means I hope for the bus)
Correct: Espero el autobús. (correctly means I wait for the bus)
Context determines whether esperar conveys waiting or hoping — a direct object like el autobús signals physical waiting, whereas que plus the subjunctive mood signals a wish or expectation about a future event.
Unnecessary preposition
Incorrect: Estoy esperando para mi amigo.
Correct: Estoy esperando a mi amigo.
In Spanish, 'esperar' takes the personal 'a' when waiting for a person—'esperar a alguien.' The preposition 'para' is incorrect in this construction.
Lock in Wait Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Esperar used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using esperar in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Espera un momento, ya casi termino. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Wait in Spanish
- How do you say 'wait' in Spanish?
- The verb is 'esperar,' which doubles as the Spanish word for 'to hope' and 'to expect.' It is a regular -ar verb used constantly in daily conversation, from asking someone to hold on to expressing wishes for the future.
- Does 'esperar' always mean 'to wait'?
- 'Esperar' has three primary meanings: to wait, to hope, and to expect. The intended meaning depends on context. 'Espero el tren' means 'I wait for the train,' while 'Espero que llueva' means 'I hope it rains.'
- How do you say 'wait for me' in Spanish?
- You say 'espérame' in informal speech, combining the imperative form with the pronoun 'me.' In formal contexts, use 'espéreme.' Both are extremely common and immediately understood.