Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| esperar | /espeˈɾaɾ/ | |
| aguardar | /aɡwaɾˈdaɾ/ | |
| aguantar | /aɡwanˈtaɾ/ | |
| bancar | /banˈkaɾ/ | transitive |
The primary way to express the concept of delaying until an event occurs is with the verb esperar. Note that esperar is polysemous, meaning it can also mean 'to hope'. In informal contexts, you might use the phrase déjame ver, which translates to 'let me see' to express the idea of waiting. You may also use the imperative form ¡Espera! to tell someone to wait immediately.
Which one should you use?
While esperar is the standard verb, other forms exist depending on the nuance. Aguardar is a more formal or literary synonym, often used when one is 'awaiting' something specific. The verb aguantar can mean 'to wait' in the sense of 'holding on' or 'enduring' a situation, but its primary meaning is 'to tolerate' or 'to bear'. The transitive verb bancar is also a form of wait.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/espeˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone ¡Espera! in a rush can be perceived as a blunt command. To be more polite, people often use the phrase un momentito, which uses a double diminutive to make the wait sound shorter.
- While esperar is the standard, the word aguardar shares an ancient root with the English word 'ward', as seen in 'guard' or 'warden'.
- In certain slang contexts, especially in Argentina, bancar can mean to 'stand' or 'wait out' a difficult situation or even a person.
Examples in context
- No voy a esperar.I don't plan to wait.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of intention to wait using esperar.Tatoeba #7916800 by arh, translation #6273563 by CK
- Vamos a esperar acá.We'll wait here.This sentence is useful for stating a location for waiting using esperar.Tatoeba #2449250 by hayastan, translation #2241639 by CK
- Ve a esperar afuera.Go wait outside.This sentence is useful for giving a command to wait in a specific location using esperar.Tatoeba #2886029 by marcelostockle, translation #2649030 by CK
- Tenga paciencia, pronto le atenderemos.Have patience, we will assist you shortly.
- Espera un momentito, estoy ocupado.Wait a little, I'm busy.
- Espera un chin, por favor.Wait a little, please.
- 411 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are deciding whether to leave or stay at a station.
- Alejandro¿Quieres esperar el autobús aquí?Do you want to wait for the bus here?
- SofíaSí, prefiero esperar contigo.Yes, I prefer to wait with you.
- AlejandroEstá bien, vamos a esperar un poco.Okay, let's wait a little bit.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wait” translations and entries esperar, aguardar, aguantar, bancar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguantar, aguardar, bancar, esperar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
