esperar
/espeˈɾaɾ/
The English verb 'expect' can be translated into Spanish as esperar. Wiktionary also lists expectar and aguardar.
Meaning: to look for, look forward to, anticipate (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| esperar | /espeˈɾaɾ/ |
| expectar | /eɡspeɡˈtaɾ/ |
| aguardar | /aɡwaɾˈdaɾ/ |
| tener la expectativa de | /teneɾ la eɡspeɡtatiba de/ (from spelling rules) |
| estar/permanecer expectante de/por |
Spanish speakers use these terms to express anticipating an event, looking forward to something or holding a specific mental expectation. tener la expectativa de is used when referring specifically to the mental state of having a certain expectation or preconceived notion about something.
Which one should you use?
The verb esperar is used for both 'to wait' and 'to expect'. 'Aguardar' is a more formal synonym for esperar and is typically used when one is waiting for a person or a specific event to occur.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeˈɾaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
The word expectar is often considered an anglicism and is less common or even incorrect in many Spanish-speaking regions compared to esperar.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the phrase estoy esperando un bebé to say 'I am expecting a baby'. In this context, esperar functions specifically as 'to be pregnant'.
- The formal term aguardar shares a linguistic root with the English word 'guard'. It literally suggests the act of keeping watch while waiting.
- In some regions, esperar can be used as a polite command to ask someone to wait, but depending on the tone, it can also be used to tell someone to 'hold on' during an argument.
Examples in context
- No sé qué esperar.I don't know what to expect.This sentence shows how to use esperar in a negative statement.Tatoeba #2941717 by teskmon, translation #2396078 by CK
- Tom no sabe qué esperar.Tom doesn't know what to expect.This sentence shows the use of esperar with a subject.Tatoeba #1530637 by marcelostockle, translation #1094434 by CK
- Tenemos que esperar lo peor.We have to expect the worst.This sentence shows how to use esperar when discussing a potential outcome.Tatoeba #1280111 by marcelostockle, translation #2427 by Eldad
- Espero que el informe esté listo para la reunión de mañana.I expect the report to be ready for tomorrow's meeting.
- Debemos prever cualquier problema que pueda surgir durante el proyecto.We should expect any issues that may arise during the project.
- Cuento contigo para la fiesta de mañana.I expect you at tomorrow's party.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “expect” translations and entries esperar, expectar, aguardar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguardar, de, esperar, expectar, la, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
