Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aguantar | /aɡwanˈtaɾ/ |
| bancar | /banˈkaɾ/ |
Aguantar is used to express the idea of holding on, though its primary meaning is usually to endure or to tolerate something difficult. Depending on the context and level of formality, several different phrases are used to ask someone to wait.
Which one should you use?
While aguantar is used to mean "hold on" in certain contexts, it is most commonly understood as "to endure" or "to bear". In contrast, bancar is a colloquial term used to mean "to hold on" or "to support".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use Espere un momento (Wait a moment) or the more polite Por favor, aguarde (Please wait). For informal or casual situations, you might use Espera un momento (Wait a moment) or Aguanta un segundo (Hold on for a second).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may hear the phrase Esperá un toque to mean "hold on". In Mexico, the phrase Espera un ratito is used in informal conversations to mean "Wait for a little while".
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡwanˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word aguantar comes from the Italian agguantare, which originally meant to seize something with a glove.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, aguantar is used to describe a person's ability to handle alcohol or pain without complaining.
- Adding the diminutive -ito to rato in the Mexican phrase Espera un ratito softens the request, making the wait seem shorter and more polite.
Examples in context
- Tienes que aguantar un poco más.You have to hold on a little longer.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are leaving the house.
- LucíaMateo, aguanta un segundo.Mateo, hold on a second.
- Mateo¿Qué pasó, Lucía?What happened, Lucía?
- LucíaNo encuentro mi teléfono.I can't find my phone.
- MateoEstá sobre la mesa.It is on the table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hold on” translations and entries aguantar, bancar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguantar, bancar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
