esperando
/espeɾando/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for hoping is esperando.
esperando is used to express the act of hoping.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, esperando can mean both 'hoping' and 'waiting'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use espero que followed by the subjunctive form instead of ojalá.
How does it change in a sentence?
If esperando is followed directly by an action, it is used with an infinitive verb without the conjunction que. When esperando is followed by a clause expressing a wish or hope, it is typically followed by the conjunction que and requires the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeɾando/
Did you know?
- While esperando is the standard way to say 'hoping', speakers often use the word ojalá to express a strong wish. This word actually comes from the Arabic wa sha Allah, meaning 'and so God wills'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the word esperanza (hope) is often personified in literature and poetry as a woman who stands still or waits, linking the concept of hope to the concept of waiting.
- While 'hoping' in English is almost always a positive emotion, esperando can be completely neutral or even frustrating, such as when you are 'esperando' in a long queue at a bank.
Examples in context
- Estaba esperando que me echaras una mano.I was hoping you could give me a hand.This sentence shows how to use esperando in a clause.Tatoeba #4387828 by saverius, translation #3154027 by CK
- Tom vino a Boston esperando encontrar trabajo.Tom came to Boston hoping to find a job.This sentence shows how to use esperando followed by an infinitive.Tatoeba #1785340 by hayastan, translation #1026895 by CK
- Espero que todo vaya bien.I hope everything goes well.
- Espero tener la oportunidad de trabajar juntos.I hope to have the opportunity to work together.
- Deseo que este proyecto sea un éxito.I hope this project is a success.
- Deseo que encuentren la solución al problema.I hope they find the solution to the problem.
- Ojalá llueva mañana.I hope it rains tomorrow.
- Ojalá que tengas un buen viaje.I hope you have a nice trip.
- Quisiera que llegaran a tiempo.I hope they arrive on time.
- Ojalá que puedas venirI hope you can come
- Espero que salga todo bienI hope everything goes well
- Sigo esperando tu respuesta.I am still hoping for your response.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about a job interview.
- Alejandro¿Cómo te fue en la entrevista?How did the interview go?
- LucíaBien, estoy esperando una llamada pronto.Good, I am hoping for a call soon.
- Alejandro¡Qué bueno! Espero que te den el puesto.That's great! I hope they give you the position.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro. Ojalá que sí.Thanks, Alejandro. I hope so.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
