What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "a moment, please".
Which one should you use?
While un momento, por favor is a common elliptical shorthand, you can also use full sentences like Espere un momento, por favor or Por favor, aguarde un momento for a complete request.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The formal phrase Por favor, aguarde un momento is common in both Spain and Latin American countries. In Argentina, you might specifically hear Esperá un cachito, por favor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of verb form dictates the level of politeness. Using the formal imperative espere (from the verb esperar) creates a formal tone, whereas using the informal espera is used with friends or peers. In some casual contexts, the phrase un toque can be used to mean "a moment".
How do you pronounce it?
/un moˈmento poɾ faˈboɾ/
When do people say it?
When someone makes this request, a common and natural response is sí, claro (yes, of course).
Did you know?
- If you are in a casual setting, you can replace 'un momento' with un toque, which literally means 'a touch'.
- The word momento comes from the Latin mōmentum, which referred to a movement or a tipping point rather than a specific length of time.
- In Argentina, instead of saying 'un momento', people often use the colloquialism un cachito, which literally translates to 'a little bit' or 'a small piece'.
Examples in context
- Un momento, por favor.Please wait a moment.
- Espere un momento, por favor.Wait a moment, please.
- Déjeme revisar esto, un momento, por favor.Let me check this, a moment, please.
Example conversation
Alejandro is at the reception desk and Elena is looking for a file.
- ElenaHola, ¿tienes el reporte?Hello, do you have the report?
- AlejandroUn momento, por favor, lo busco.One moment, please, I am looking for it.
- ElenaEstá bien, no hay problema.That is fine, no problem.
- AlejandroYa lo encontré, Elena.I found it, Elena.
