esperando
/espeɾando/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English word "waiting" is translated as esperando.
esperando refers to the act of staying or remaining in expectation.
Meaning: the act of staying or remaining in expectation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the verb esperar (to wait/hope) and the suffix -ando, which is the equivalent of the English -ing for present participles.
Which one should you use?
While esperando is the continuous form used for the act of waiting, the noun for "the wait" is la espera.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Estoy a la espera is a way to say "I'm waiting" that is commonly used in Spain and some parts of South America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form esperando is the gerund of the verb esperar and functions as the continuous form of waiting.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeɾando/
Did you know?
- The word esperar functions as a 'double agent' because a single sentence like Espero que vengas can mean 'I am waiting for you to come' or 'I hope you come'.
- While esperando is the act of waiting, the noun esperanza is used for 'hope'. Both words share the same root, suggesting that in the Spanish mindset, waiting and hoping are fundamentally linked.
- The phrase estar pendiente de is often used instead of esperar when waiting for a person. This shifts the meaning from simply passing time to actively monitoring or being attentive to someone's arrival.
Examples in context
- Él me dejó esperando.He kept me waiting.This sentence is useful for illustrating how someone can be left in a state of esperando.Tatoeba #1715758 by marcelostockle, translation #298151 by CK
- No me dejes esperando.Don't keep me waiting.This sentence is useful for expressing a request not to be left in a state of esperando.Tatoeba #1750198 by marcelostockle, translation #1750183 by Spamster
- Hay un taxi esperando.A cab is waiting.This sentence shows the use of esperando to describe a taxi that is currently waiting.Tatoeba #2319951 by marcelostockle, translation #2280251 by CK
- Estoy esperando al gerente en mi oficina.I am waiting for the manager in my office.
- Le agradecemos por aguardar nuestra respuesta formal.We thank you for patiently waiting for our formal response.
- Lamentamos la demora y agradecemos su paciencia mientras permanece en espera.We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience while you remain on hold.
- Estoy esperándote en la entrada del cine.I'm waiting for you at the movie theater entrance.
- Él está esperandoHe is waiting
- Estamos esperandoWe are waiting
- Ellas están esperandoThey are waiting
- Estoy esperando impacientemente.I am waiting impatiently.
- Estoy esperando desde hace horas.I've been waiting for hours.
- Estamos esperando al profesor.We're waiting for the teacher.
- Estoy esperándote pacientemente en la sala de espera.I'm waiting for you patiently in the waiting room.
- 318 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at a train station.
- MateoLlevo una hora esperando el tren.I have been waiting for the train for an hour.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Mateo, ya viene.Don't worry, Mateo, it's coming now.
- MateoOdio estar aquí, esperando bajo la lluvia.I hate being here, waiting in the rain.
- MaríaYo también estoy cansada de tanto esperar.I am also tired of waiting so much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
