espera
general
The verb is esperar. For a quick "wait" you say espera to a friend or espere to someone you address formally. A very Mexican version is espérame tantito, meaning "wait for me a little bit". It is also called aguanta.
Meaning: to stay until something happens (verb)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| espera | general |
| espérame tantito | Mexico, casual |
| aguanta | Mexico, informal |
Use aguanta or aguántame in casual speech, as in "hold on". With shops, say un momento, por favor.
Which one should you use?
Tantito means "a little bit" in Mexico and softens the request. It sounds friendlier than a plain command.
What mistakes should you avoid?
The Mexican ahorita can mean "right now" or "in a little while", depending on tone, so do not take it as a precise time.
Did you know?
- Tantito is a very Mexican diminutive of tanto, and it is used widely to ask for a little time.
Examples in context
- Espérame tantito, ya voy.Wait a little, I am coming.
- Espere aquí, por favor.Please wait here.
- Aguanta, no cuelgues.Hold on, do not hang up.
Example conversation
Pedro calls his friend Nora from the street.
- Nora¿Ya vienes?Are you coming yet?
- PedroEspérame tantito, estoy por llegar.Wait a little, I am about to arrive.
- NoraAguanta, te abro la puerta.Hold on, I will open the door for you.
- PedroGracias, ahorita subo.Thanks, I will come up in a moment.
