espera aquí
/espeɾa aki/from spelling rules
To say "wait here" in Spanish, you use espera aquí.
This phrase is used to request or command someone to remain in a specific location until they are instructed to move.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the imperative verb espera (wait) and the adverb aquí (here).
Which one should you use?
Espera aquí is the informal imperative used with friends, family or people you know well. In contrast, espere aquí is the formal version.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may hear Esperame acá, che. as a way to say "wait here."
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on whom you are addressing.
When do people say it?
In Mexico, a common informal way to say "Wait here, please" is Espera aquí, porfa.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the concept of 'waiting' is closely tied to the concept of 'hope', as esperar means both 'to wait' and 'to hope'.
- The word espera shares an ancestral root with the English word 'desperate', as both stems relate to the idea of hoping or waiting.
- While espera aquí is a direct command, Spanish speakers often use the phrase un momentito to soften the request for someone to wait.
Examples in context
- Espera aquí un poco.Wait here for a while.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase espera aquí for a short duration.Tatoeba #758546 by Shishir, translation #53434 by CK
- Espera aquí hasta que él regrese.Wait here till he comes back.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase espera aquí until a specific event occurs.Tatoeba #674367 by Leono, translation #284229 by CK
- Espera aquí hasta que él venga, por favor.Please wait here until he comes.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase espera aquí with a polite request.Tatoeba #1810747 by marcelostockle, translation #391968 by CK
- Espera aquí, por favor.Wait here, please.
- Hey, espera aquí.Hey, wait here.
- Disculpe, ¿podría esperar aquí hasta que regrese?Excuse me, could you please wait here until I return?
- Oye, espera aquí un momento. Vuelvo enseguida.Hey, wait here for a moment. I'll be right back.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are in a crowded mall.
- ElenaEspera aquí, Alejandro.Wait here, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Por qué?Why?
- ElenaVoy a buscar las llaves.I am going to look for the keys.
- AlejandroEstá bien, te espero.Okay, I will wait for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aquí, espera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
