Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| esperar | /espeˈɾaɾ/ | |
| aguardar | /aɡwaɾˈdaɾ/ | |
| aguantar | /aɡwanˈtaɾ/ | |
| bancar | /banˈkaɾ/ | transitive |
The primary way to express the idea of delaying until an event occurs is through the verb esperar. Note that esperar is used for both 'to wait' and 'to hope'. When you are waiting for a specific person or event, you often use the construction esperar a (for example, Espero a Juan).
Which one should you use?
While esperar is the standard term, aguardar is a more formal synonym often found in literature or formal announcements. Aguantar is used in the sense of 'holding on', but its primary meaning is 'to tolerate' or 'to endure'. Bancar is a transitive verb that can also be used in specific contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, it is common to use the phrase Espérate, por favor. to say 'Wait, please.'
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/espeˈɾaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid adding the preposition 'para' when you mean 'to wait for'. Instead of saying 'esperar para', use esperar directly with the object.
Did you know?
- In Argentina, the verb bancar can mean 'to support' or 'to back' a person or an idea, moving far beyond the concept of waiting.
- To make a request for a wait sound less like a blunt command, speakers often add the diminutive un segundito, meaning 'one tiny second'.
- The word aguardar is a linguistic hybrid, combining a Spanish prefix with guardar, which entered the language via Germanic and Frankish influences.
Examples in context
- No voy a esperar.I don't plan to wait.This sentence shows the negation of the verb esperar.Tatoeba #7916800 by arh, translation #6273563 by CK
- Vamos a esperar acá.We'll wait here.This sentence demonstrates using esperar to indicate a location.Tatoeba #2449250 by hayastan, translation #2241639 by CK
- Ve a esperar afuera.Go wait outside.This sentence shows the use of esperar to indicate a direction.Tatoeba #2886029 by marcelostockle, translation #2649030 by CK
- Espere un momento, por favor. Voy a buscar el menú.Wait a moment, please. I'll bring the menu.
- Espera un segundo, necesito buscar mi agenda.Wait a second, I need to find my agenda.
- No te preocupes, toma tu tiempo.Don't worry, take your time.
- Perdone la espera, ¿dónde se encuentra la estación de tren más cercana?Sorry for the wait, where can I find the nearest train station?
- 411 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are waiting for a friend to arrive.
- Javier¿Crees que llegue pronto?Do you think he will arrive soon?
- MaríaSí, solo tenemos que esperar un poco más.Yes, we just have to wait a little longer.
- JavierEstá bien, voy a esperar sentado.Alright, I'm going to wait sitting down.
- MaríaHazlo, porque puede tardar.Do that, because he might take a while.
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.
