Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| esperar | /espeˈɾaɾ/ | |
| aguardar | /aɡwaɾˈdaɾ/ | |
| aguantar | /aɡwanˈtaɾ/ | |
| bancar | /banˈkaɾ/ | transitive |
The verb esperar is the most common and versatile term for the general concept of waiting. Note that esperar is polysemous and can mean both 'to wait' and 'to hope'.
Which one should you use?
While esperar is the standard term, aguardar is a formal or literary synonym used to mean 'to wait'. The verb aguantar is used specifically when the act of waiting implies enduring or bearing a difficult or unpleasant situation, such as waiting out a storm or a person's behavior. The transitive verb bancar is also a form of 'wait'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, it is common to hear the informal form esperate instead of espera.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun espera is derived from the verb esperar and is used to refer to the period of time spent waiting (the wait). The noun retraso also refers to a delay.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb aguantar shares a root with the word for 'glove' in Italian and Old French. It originally described the act of seizing something with a glove before evolving to mean enduring or waiting through a hardship.
- In some regions, using esperate as a command is not just about time. It can be used as a warning to tell someone to 'slow down' or 'think twice' before they make a mistake.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone espera in a crowded place is often accompanied by a hand gesture, such as holding up a palm, to signal a temporary pause in movement.
Examples in context
- No voy a esperar.I don't plan to wait.This sentence uses esperar to express a lack of intention to wait.Tatoeba #7916800 by arh, translation #6273563 by CK
- Vamos a esperar acá.We'll wait here.This sentence uses esperar to describe a collective action of waiting in a location.Tatoeba #2449250 by hayastan, translation #2241639 by CK
- Ve a esperar afuera.Go wait outside.This sentence uses esperar to give a command to wait outside.Tatoeba #2886029 by marcelostockle, translation #2649030 by CK
- Por favor, espere un momento.Please wait a moment.
- Esperemos al profesor antes de comenzar.Let's wait for the teacher before starting.
- Le ruego esperar mientras verificamos su reserva.I kindly ask you to wait while we check your reservation.
- Aguardemos la llegada del director para comenzar la reunión.Let's wait for the director's arrival to start the meeting.
- Le solicito que aguarde en la línea mientras transfiero su llamada.I request that you wait on the line while I transfer your call.
- Espera un momento, ¡ya casi termino!Wait a moment, I'm almost done!
- Vamos, espera un ratito más y saldremos juntos.Come on, wait a little longer, and we'll leave together.
- Espera aquí mientras busco las llaves del auto.Wait here while I look for the car keys.
- Aguanta un poquito más y podrás probar el postre.Wait a little longer, and you'll be able to taste the dessert.
- Aguanta un segundo mientras tomo una foto.Hold on for a second while I take a picture.
- 411 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are waiting for a friend at a cafe.
- DanielDebemos esperar diez minutos más.We should wait ten more minutes.
- MaríaSí, prefiero esperar aquí sentados.Yes, I prefer to wait here sitting down.
- Daniel¿Crees que él va a tardar?Do you think he is going to be late?
- MaríaNo, no hace falta esperar mucho.No, there is no need to wait long.
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.
