espere un momento
/espeɾe un momento/from spelling rules
To say 'hold one moment' in Spanish, use espere un momento.
This phrase is used as a polite request for someone to wait for a short period of time. While English speakers might use the verb 'hold' (as in holding a phone line), Spanish uses the verb 'esperar', which means 'to wait'. You can also use un segundo (one second) as a very common alternative to un momento, as they function identically in this context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of esperar (to wait) and un momento (a moment).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form espere un momento is appropriate for professional settings, such as customer service or speaking to a stranger. For informal situations, you might use espera un momento, dame un segundo, aguanta un momento or espera un ratito. Other formal variations include un momento, por favor, permítame un momento, por favor, ¿podría esperar un momento, por favor? and le ruego que aguarde un instante, por favor.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeɾe un momento/
Did you know?
- The word momento is derived from the Latin mōmentum, which originally referred to the small movement of a scale as it tipped to reach a balance.
- If you use the informal aguanta un momento, you are literally asking someone to 'endure' or 'tolerate' a moment. This comes from the verb aguantar, which is often used to describe withstanding physical or emotional hardship.
- While esperar is used here to mean 'to wait', the same word is also the standard Spanish verb for 'to hope'.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría esperar un momento, por favor?Could you please hold one moment?
- Dame un segundo.Give me a second.
- Un momento… necesito encontrar el documento.Wait a moment… I need to find the document.
- Espere un momento, por favor.Hold one moment, please.
- Espere un momento mientras busco los papeles.Hold one moment while I look for the papers.
- Solo espere un momento, ya vuelvo.Just hold one moment, I'll be right back.
Example conversation
At a doctor's reception desk.
- SofíaEspere un momento, Alejandro, estoy revisando su cita.Hold one moment, Alejandro, I am checking your appointment.
- AlejandroEstá bien, no hay problema.That's fine, no problem.
- SofíaYa encontré su ficha.I found your file.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Sofía.Thank you very much, Sofia.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries momento, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
