What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the gerund esperando (waiting) and the adverb pacientemente (patiently).
Which one should you use?
Depending on the setting or the tone, you might choose a different expression: Esperando con paciencia is used to convey the meaning of waiting patiently, especially in official or professional settings. If you want to convey patience in a relaxed and informal way, you can use Esperando con calma. To emphasize a sense of serenity during the wait, you may use Esperando con serenidad.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain and some Latin American countries, the phrase Esperando tranquilamente is commonly used to convey waiting patiently with a calm attitude.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the general concept or the subject of 'to wait patiently', use the infinitive form esperar pacientemente. If you want to state that you waited patiently in the past, use the preterite form esperé pacientemente.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeɾando paθjentemente/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word esperar means both 'to wait' and 'to hope'. Someone who is esperando pacientemente could be waiting for a bus or hoping for a miracle.
- The suffix -mente used in pacientemente is derived from the Latin word mēns meaning 'mind'. This suggests that acting patiently is seen as a mental state.
- Because paciente means both 'patient' and 'medical patient', the phrase esperando al paciente changes meaning entirely to 'waiting for the patient'.
Examples in context
- Estoy esperando pacientemente su respuesta sobre el informe.I am waiting patiently for your response regarding the report.
- No te preocupes, estoy esperando con calma tu respuesta.Don't worry, I am waiting patiently for your response.
- Estamos esperando pacientemente a que llegue el tren.We are waiting patiently for the train to arrive.
- Estoy esperando pacientemente a que llegue el tren.I am waiting patiently for the train to arrive.
- Los niños están esperando pacientemente su turno.The children are waiting patiently for their turn.
- Ella sigue esperando pacientemente una respuesta.She continues waiting patiently for an answer.
Example conversation
Javier and María are at a crowded doctor's office.
- JavierLa doctora tarda mucho hoy.The doctor is taking a long time today.
- MaríaSí, pero estamos esperando pacientemente.Yes, but we are waiting patiently.
- Javier¿Crees que nos llamen pronto, María?Do you think they will call us soon, María?
- MaríaSeguro que sí, Javier.I'm sure they will, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pacientemente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
