Lael logo

esperanza means hope — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 1, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

esperanza

noun • /[es-peh-RAN-sa]/

hope

Example:

Siempre hay esperanza en todo problema.

There’s always hope in every problem.

🧠 What does esperanza mean?

Esperanza is a feminine noun that translates to 'hope'. It refers to the feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. It embodies confidence or trust that a positive outcome is possible in the future. The word is closely related to the verb 'esperar', which means both 'to hope' and 'to wait'.

📚 Extra examples

  • La esperanza es lo último que se pierde.
    Hope is the last thing to be lost.
  • Tengo la esperanza de que todo salga bien en el examen.
    I have hope that everything will go well on the exam.
  • Su recuperación nos da esperanza a todos.
    His recovery gives all of us hope.
  • Perdió toda esperanza de encontrar las llaves.
    She lost all hope of finding the keys.
  • El equipo mantiene la esperanza de ganar el campeonato.
    The team maintains hope of winning the championship.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'esperanza' is derived from the verb 'esperar'. Uniquely, 'esperar' means both 'to hope' and 'to wait', which beautifully links the concepts of waiting for something and being hopeful about its arrival.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "esperanza"

Synonyms: fe, confianza, ilusión, optimismo
Opposites: desesperanza, desesperación, pesimismo, duda

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'hope' in Spanish?
The noun 'hope' is 'esperanza'. The verb 'to hope' is 'esperar'.
How do you pronounce 'esperanza' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is /es.peˈɾan.sa/ in Latin American Spanish. In most of Spain, it is /es.peˈɾan.θa/. The stress falls on the third syllable: es-pe-RAN-za.
How do you use 'esperanza' in a sentence?
'Esperanza' is commonly used with verbs like 'tener' (to have), 'dar' (to give), or 'perder' (to lose). For example: 'Tengo la esperanza de verte pronto' means 'I have hope of seeing you soon'.
What is the English translation of 'esperanza'?
The direct English translation of 'esperanza' is 'hope'.
Does 'esperanza' change for gender or number?
'Esperanza' is a feminine noun ('la esperanza'). Its plural form, 'las esperanzas', means 'hopes' or 'expectations'. For instance: 'Sus esperanzas estaban puestas en el nuevo tratamiento' (His hopes were pinned on the new treatment).
Is 'esperanza' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'esperanza' is a very common and essential word used frequently in all levels of conversation, from casual to formal.
Does 'esperanza' have slang or double meanings?
The primary meaning is 'hope'. It does not have common slang meanings, though it is also a popular female given name.
Is 'esperanza' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'esperanza' are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world. The main regional difference is the pronunciation of the 'z'.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store