What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un (a/one) and momento (moment), literally meaning "a moment".
Which one should you use?
While un momento is a polite way to ask someone to wait, the word espera is the direct imperative command for "wait".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the request more polite and standard for professional or formal settings, add por favor to get un momento, por favor. In formal contexts, you might use Permítame un momento, por favor (Allow me a moment, please) or the apologetic Disculpe, ¿puede esperar un momento, por favor? (Excuse me, can you wait for a moment, please?). In informal settings, you can use Espera un ratito, por favor (wait a little moment, please), the direct Dame un momentito, por favor (Give me a little moment, please) or the casual ¡Un segundo, espera! (One second, wait!).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, Espera un momentito, por favor may be used instead of Espera un ratito, por favor.
How do you pronounce it?
/un momento/
Did you know?
- If you are in a rush and need to be very quick, you can say en un santiamén, a colorful idiom that essentially means 'in a blink of an eye' or 'in an instant'.
- In Latin, the root of momento originally described the slightest possible motion of a scale.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking for un momento or un ratito can be a social polite fiction. The actual wait time may be significantly longer than a minute or a second.
Examples in context
- Un momento, por favor. No cuelgue.Just a minute, please. Don't hang up.This sentence demonstrates how to use un momento when asking someone to wait on the phone.Tatoeba #1785454 by marcelostockle, translation #5442677 by tabular
- Disculpe, ¿puede esperar un momento, por favor? Necesito buscar ese documento.Excuse me, can you wait for a moment, please? I need to search for that document.
- ¡Un segundo, espera! Voy a traer el libro que mencionaste.One second, wait! I'll bring the book you mentioned.
- Un momento, estoy buscando las llaves.Just a minute, I am looking for the keys.
- ¡Un momento! No cruces la calle todavía.Wait a minute! Don't cross the street yet.
Example conversation
Javier is trying to leave the house, but María needs to check something first.
- Javier¡Vámonos, María! Ya es tarde.Let's go, María! It is late already.
- MaríaUn momento, Javier, se me olvidó la cartera.Just a minute, Javier, I forgot my wallet.
- Javier¿La tienes en el bolso?Do you have it in your bag?
- MaríaSí, ya la encontré.Yes, I found it now.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
