espera un minuto
/espeɾa un minuto/from spelling rules
To say 'wait one minute' in Spanish, you use espera un minuto.
This phrase is a request for someone to pause or stay where they are for a short period of time.
Which one should you use?
While espera un minuto is common, you may also hear espera un momento to mean 'wait a moment'. These are often used interchangeably, though momento can feel slightly more idiomatic when referring to a very brief pause.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you may use the regional variation Esperá un minuto. In Colombia, Espera un momentico is a common regional variation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form espera un minuto uses the informal singular imperative, which is used when speaking to a friend, peer or child. If you are asking more than one person to wait, use the plural form esperen un minuto.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeɾa un minuto/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb esperar serves a double purpose, meaning both 'to wait' and 'to hope'.
- The word espera is a distant relative of the English word 'desperate'. Both words share roots that relate to the idea of waiting or hoping, specifically in the context of the Latin 'sperare'.
Examples in context
- Espera un minuto, por favor.Wait one minute, please.
- Espera un minuto antes de salir.Wait one minute before leaving.
- Espera un minuto que busco las llaves.Wait one minute, I'm looking for the keys.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are leaving the house.
- MateoYa estoy listo para salir, María.I am ready to leave, María.
- MaríaEspera un minuto, Mateo. Olvidé mi bolso.Wait one minute, Mateo. I forgot my bag.
- MateoNo hay problema, te espero aquí.No problem, I'll wait for you here.
- MaríaGracias, ya regreso.Thanks, I'll be right back.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries espera, minuto, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
