atiéndeme
/atjendeme/from spelling rules
To say "wait on me" in Spanish, you use atiéndeme.
In Spanish, this phrase is used to ask a person, such as a server or an employee, to provide you with service in a setting like a restaurant or a store.
Which one should you use?
Note that the Spanish verb esperar means "to wait" in terms of time or expectation. It cannot be used to mean "to serve" or "to wait on" someone as the English phrase does.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form atiéndeme is used when addressing a server or employee using the informal tú register, while the form atiéndame is used when addressing them using the formal usted register.
How do you pronounce it?
/atjendeme/
Did you know?
- The verb atender comes from the Latin attendere, which literally means 'to stretch toward'. This reflects the idea of stretching one's focus toward another person to serve them.
- The word atención is also used in Spanish to mean 'caution' or 'warning', so a sign saying atención is telling you to 'watch out' rather than 'please be served'.
- While atiéndeme means 'wait on me' in a shop, the same verb atender is used to say 'to pay attention' in a classroom. A teacher might tell a student ¡Atiende! to stop daydreaming.
Example conversation
Lucía is at a shop and wants the clerk's attention.
- LucíaHola, Daniel, atiéndeme por favor.Hello, Daniel, wait on me please.
- DanielHola, Lucía. Dame un segundo.Hello, Lucía. Give me a second.
- LucíaTengo mucha prisa hoy.I am in a big hurry today.
- DanielYa estoy contigo, Lucía.I am with you now, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
