esperar
/espeˈɾaɾ/
In Spanish, 'hope for' is expressed by the verb esperar.
The verb esperar is used when you want something to happen or be true in the future.
Which one should you use?
It is important to note that esperar is used for several different English verbs: 'to hope', 'to wait' and 'to expect'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In English, 'hope for' often uses a preposition, but in Spanish, esperar is a transitive verb. You simply say esperar algo (to hope for something). If you are not connecting the verb to a single noun but are instead following it with a clause containing a new subject and verb, you must use esperar que and use the subjunctive mood. Generally, when expressing hopes or wishes in Spanish, it is common to use the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- Because esperar means both 'to wait' and 'to hope', the Spanish phrase for 'waiting room' is sala de espera, which literally translates to 'room of hope'.
- The English word 'expectation' and the Spanish esperanza (hope) are conceptual cousins, as both trace back to the same Latin root for looking forward to something.
- The verb esperar is a key part of the common Spanish expression esperar lo inesperado, which means to 'expect the unexpected'.
Examples in context
- Ese es un cambio que todos podemos esperar.That's a change that we can all hope for.This sentence shows how to use esperar when discussing a change people can hope for.Tatoeba #10170450 by manufrutos, translation #10167298 by CK
- Lo único que podía hacer ahora Sadako era hacer grullas de papel y esperar un milagro.All Sadako could do now was to make paper cranes and hope for a miracle.This sentence demonstrates the use of esperar in the context of hoping for a miracle.Tatoeba #1306671 by Shishir, translation #242271 by CN
- En el mejor de los casos sólo podemos esperar una ganancia pequeña.At best we can only hope for a small profit.This sentence illustrates how to use esperar when one can only hope for a small profit.Tatoeba #572275 by darinmex, translation #28848 by trieuho
- Se plantea la esperanza de un futuro próspero para nuestra compañía.The hope for a prosperous future for our company is presented.
- Confío en que se tomarán las medidas necesarias para solucionar este problema.I hope that the necessary measures will be taken to solve this problem.
- Espero que disfrutes de tus vacaciones.I hope you enjoy your vacation.
- Que tengas un buen día.I hope you have a nice day.
- Espero que hagas un buen trabajo.I hope you do a good job.
- Espero que tengas un buen día.I hope (that) you have a good day.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a job interview.
- Mateo¿Cómo te fue en la entrevista, Elena?How did the interview go, Elena?
- ElenaFue bien, ahora solo puedo esperar buenas noticias.It went well, now I can only hope for good news.
- MateoYo también espero que te den el puesto.I hope for you to get the position too.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo, eres muy amable.Thanks, Mateo, you are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry esperar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
