What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I wait for it with eagerness" or "I wait for it with anxieties".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal business correspondence, it is more common to use quedo a la espera to express anticipation for a reply or event, as the word ansias can sound slightly emotional. For a more colloquial way to say "I can't wait!", you can use Me muero de ganas, which literally translates to "I'm dying of desire".
How does it change in a sentence?
The object pronoun at the beginning of the phrase must change depending on what you are looking forward to. Use la espero con ansias if the object is a feminine noun, such as la fiesta or la noticia. Use los espero con ansias if you are looking forward to multiple masculine or mixed-gender items, and use las espero con ansias if you are looking forward to multiple feminine items.
Did you know?
- The word ganas in Me muero de ganas has no direct English equivalent, as it describes a specific blend of desire, will, and impulse to do something.
- The word ansias in this phrase shares its root with the English word 'anxiety', which is why it can sound more emotionally intense than the English 'anticipation'.
- While lo espero con ansias is enthusiastic, the business phrase quedo a la espera literally means 'I remain waiting', reflecting a more passive and deferential professional tone.
Examples in context
- Estimado Sr. Rodríguez, espero con ansias nuestra próxima reunión.Dear Mr. Rodríguez, I look forward to our next meeting eagerly.
- ¡Vale! Me muero de ganas de que llegue el verano para ir a la playa.Alright! I can't wait for summer to arrive so I can go to the beach.
- Lo espero con ansias.I look forward to it.
- Lo espero con ansias, será un viaje increíble.I look forward to it, it will be an incredible trip.
- ¡Lo espero con ansias!I am looking forward to it!
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a concert they will attend together next week.
- Elena¿Estás listo para el concierto?Are you ready for the concert?
- Daniel¡Sí, lo espero con ansias!Yes, I look forward to it!
- ElenaSerá una noche muy divertida, Daniel.It will be a very fun night, Daniel.
- DanielNo puedo esperar más.I can't wait any longer.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
