Are you curious about how to express the word “expecting” in Spanish? Whether you want to informally share this joyous news with friends or formally announce it to colleagues or relatives, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “expecting” in Spanish, provide examples to enhance your understanding, and touch upon regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Informal Ways to Say “Expecting” in Spanish
When discussing pregnancy in a more casual setting or with close friends and family, you can use the following phrases to indicate that someone is expecting a baby.
1. “Estar embarazada” – To Be Pregnant
This is the most common and straightforward way to say “expecting” in Spanish. It literally translates to “to be pregnant.” Let’s see some examples to contextualize its usage:
Ana está embarazada de tres meses. (Ana is three months pregnant.)
¡Estoy tan emocionado porque mi hermana y su esposo están embarazados! (I’m so excited because my sister and her husband are expecting!)
2. “Esperar un bebé” – To Expect a Baby
Another way to convey the idea of “expecting” is to use the phrase “esperar un bebé.” This expression emphasizes the anticipation of the arrival of a baby. Let’s check out some examples:
Marta y Carlos esperan un bebé para septiembre. (Marta and Carlos are expecting a baby in September.)
¿Sabías que Lucía y Pedro están esperando un bebé? (Did you know that Lucía and Pedro are expecting a baby?)
Formal Ways to Say “Expecting” in Spanish
When the situation requires a more formal approach, such as sharing the news at the workplace or informing distant relatives, the following phrases will come in handy.
1. “En estado” – In a State/Condition
The phrase “en estado” can be used to indicate someone’s condition of being pregnant. It is a polite and formal way to convey this information. Let’s see some examples:
María se encuentra en estado y espera con alegría la llegada de su primer hijo. (María is in a state and is joyfully awaiting the arrival of her first child.)
Estoy muy contento de compartir con ustedes que mi esposa está en estado de buena esperanza. (I am very pleased to inform you all that my wife is in a state of good hope.)
2. “Esperando un bebé” – Expecting a Baby
Another formal way of expressing “expecting” in Spanish is by using the phrase “esperando un bebé.” This phrase is commonly used in more official contexts where a more formal tone is preferred. Let’s consider some examples:
Javier y Lucía están esperando un bebé y se complacen en compartir esta noticia con todos nosotros. (Javier and Lucía are expecting a baby and are delighted to share this news with all of us.)
La empresa se enorgullece en anunciar que Claudia, una de nuestras empleadas más valiosas, está esperando un bebé. (The company is proud to announce that Claudia, one of our most valuable employees, is expecting a baby.)
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely used across the Spanish-speaking world, it’s worth noting that some regional variations exist. These variations might include specific colloquial expressions or words that differ from the more commonly used terms. However, for the purpose of this guide, we focused on the most widely understood and used expressions. Feel free to adapt them based on your specific region or consult a reliable local source if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you are equipped with both informal and formal ways to express “expecting” in Spanish, you can confidently share the joyous news with others. Whether informally discussing it with friends or making a formal announcement, you can choose the most appropriate option from the phrases provided. Remember, sharing such news is a special moment, so embrace the warmth, excitement, and anticipation that accompany it. Congratulations on this beautiful journey of expecting a baby!
