¡Espera un minuto!
The English phrase "wait a minute!" can be said in Spanish as ¡Espera un minuto!
While ¡Espera un minuto! is a direct way to say "wait a minute!", you might encounter several other versions. Espera un momento is a neutral way to say "wait a moment", whereas ¡Un segundo! is a very common, slightly more informal way to say "Wait a minute!" or "Hold on a second!" You can also use the shortened phrase ¡Un momento! to mean "Wait a minute!" or "Just a moment!"
Which one should you use?
¡Espera un momento! is often used interchangeably with ¡Espera un minuto!, but momento can feel slightly more natural in casual conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the informal phrase un toque translates to "a touch" and is used to ask someone to wait.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes depending on who you are addressing. Change it to ¡Espere un minuto! when addressing someone formally. To tell a group of people to wait a minute, use the plural imperative ¡Esperen un minuto!
Did you know?
- The verb esperar shares an ancient root with the English word 'desperate', as both stem from the concept of 'hope' or 'expecting' something.
- Because esperar can also mean 'to hope', saying ¡Espera! can sometimes sound like you are telling someone 'Have hope!' rather than 'Wait!' depending on the context.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking someone to wait un momento can be a polite social cushion used to soften a request or a delay.
Examples in context
- ¡Espera un minuto! No te vayas.Wait a minute! Don't go.
- ¡Espera un minuto! Olvidé mis llaves.Wait a minute! I forgot my keys.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are leaving the house.
- María¡Espera un minuto! No encuentro mi bolso.Wait a minute! I can't find my bag.
- AlejandroEstá sobre la mesa, María.It is on the table, María.
- MaríaAh, ya lo veo. Gracias, Alejandro.Ah, I see it now. Thanks, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada. Vamos que llegamos tarde.You're welcome. Let's go, we're late.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espera, minuto, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
