Which one should you use?
While esperança is the noun for 'hope', the verb esperar covers both the meaning of 'to hope' and 'to wait'. For a more formal way to convey a sense of expectation or hope, you can use Expectativa.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, you can express hope using the verb Torcer, which means 'to root' or 'to cheer for'. In Portugal, the word oxalá is a commonly used expression for 'hopefully'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
esperança is a feminine noun, so it is used with feminine articles such as a (the) or uma (a).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables: /is.peˈɾɐ̃.sɐ/. The stress is on the third syllable.
When do people say it?
In Brazil, a common expression used to convey hope is vai dar tudo certo, which means 'everything will be fine'. In Portugal, the phrase espero que sim is a frequent way to say 'I hope so'. Additionally, Esperança is used as a female given name.
Did you know?
- The word oxalá is derived from the Arabic phrase wa sha' Allah, meaning 'and should God will'.
- In Portuguese, the word esperança shares the same root as the English word 'despair', which literally means 'without hope'.
- While esperança is a common name, it was historically used as a 'virtue name' to reflect the religious values of the parents.
Examples in context
- Essa é a esperança.That's the hope.This sentence is useful for identifying the noun esperança.Tatoeba #2441034 by MarlonX19, translation #2251266 by CK
- A vida é esperança.Life is hope.This sentence shows how to use esperança in a metaphor.Tatoeba #13039135 by carlosalberto, translation #12131198 by LdjuherTaqvaylit
- A esperança é verde.Hope is green.This sentence illustrates a common Portuguese expression involving esperança.Tatoeba #11952099 by carlosalberto, translation #11952135 by carlosalberto
- Eu tenho esperança de que tudo vai correr bem.I have hope that everything will go well.
- Eu desejo que você tenha um futuro brilhante.I hope you have a bright future.
- Tenho expectativa de que o projeto seja um sucesso.I have hope that the project will be a success.
- Estou torcendo para que tudo dê certo na sua entrevista de emprego.I hope everything goes well in your job interview.
- Tomara que o tempo melhore amanhã.I hope the weather improves tomorrow.
- Quero que você seja feliz.I hope you are happy.
- 164 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are talking about a difficult job interview.
- FelipeVocê acha que eu consegui o emprego?Do you think I got the job?
- CamilaEu tenho esperança que sim, Felipe.I hope so, Felipe.
- FelipeEu também, mas estou nervoso.Me too, but I'm nervous.
- CamilaMantenha a esperança até a resposta.Keep hope until the answer.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry esperança, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
