expectativa
/eɡspeɡtaˈtiba/feminine
The English phrase "expectation" is translated into Spanish as expectativa.
expectativa is used to denote the state of expecting or looking for something. When discussing your expectations, the verb tener (to have) is commonly used, as in the phrase Tengo altas expectativas para el futuro (I have high expectations for the future).
Meaning: that which is expected or looked for (noun)
Which one should you use?
While expectativa refers to the mental state of expecting something, the word esperanza is used when that expectation is specifically a "hope".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form expectativas is used when referring to a set of hopes or requirements, such as when talking about "high expectations".
How do you pronounce it?
/eɡspeɡtaˈtiba/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using expectación to mean "expectation". While it looks similar, expectación actually refers to "anticipation" or the "excitement" surrounding an event.
Did you know?
- The term esperanza de vida is the standard way to say 'life expectancy', rather than using the word expectativa.
- While expectativa is a noun, the phrase estar a la expectativa is a common idiom meaning to be 'on standby' or waiting to see how a situation develops before acting.
- In Spanish, the word expectativa is frequently used in legal contexts to describe a 'right of expectation', which is a legal hope that a certain right will be granted in the future.
Examples in context
- Quedó por debajo de mis expectativas.It fell short of my expectation.This sentence shows how to express that something did not meet your expectativa.Tatoeba #1163683 by marcelostockle, translation #42374 by CK
- Nuestro cliente tiene grandes expectativas con su nuevo proyectoOur client has high expectations for their new project
- El resultado previsto es muy positivo para la empresaThe expected outcome is very positive for the company
- Tengo muchas esperanzas de conseguir el trabajoI have high expectations of getting the job
- Espero que todo salga bienI expect everything to go well
- Siempre tengo la expectativa de pasar tiempo de calidad con mi familia los fines de semana.I always have the expectation of spending quality time with my family on weekends.
- Espero que la reunión de negocios sea exitosa y cumpla todas las expectativas de los inversores.I hope the business meeting is successful and meets all the investors' expectations.
- La expectativa es muy alta para el estreno.The expectation is very high for the premiere.
- Tenemos una expectativa positiva sobre el nuevo proyecto.We have a positive expectation regarding the new project.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing a new job offer.
- MateoTengo una expectativa salarial específica.I have a specific salary expectation.
- SofíaDime cuál es tu expectativa, Mateo.Tell me what your expectation is, Mateo.
- MateoBusco algo acorde al mercado actual.I'm looking for something according to the current market.
- SofíaEntiendo, lo hablaré con el jefe.I understand, I will discuss it with the boss.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “expectation” translations and entries expectativa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
