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

📅 Published: July 9, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

esperar

verb • /[eh-speh-RAR]/

to wait / to hope

Example:

Espera aquí un momento, vuelvo enseguida.

Wait here a moment, I'll be right back.

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🧠 What does esperar mean?

The Spanish verb "esperar" is a versatile word with two main meanings: "to wait" and "to hope." When used to mean "to wait," it implies anticipating something or someone. When it means "to hope," it expresses a desire for something to happen. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.

📚 Extra examples

  • Estoy esperando el autobús.
    I'm waiting for the bus.
  • Espero que llueva.
    I hope it rains.
  • Esperaba verte aquí.
    I was hoping to see you here.
  • Te espero en la cafetería a las tres.
    I'll wait for you in the cafeteria at three.
  • Espero que tengas un buen día.
    I hope you have a good day.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to wait / to hope' in Spanish?
The Spanish verb "esperar" covers both "to wait" and "to hope."
How do you pronounce 'esperar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced es-peh-RAR, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'esperar' in a sentence?
You can use "esperar" followed by a noun (like "el autobús" for "the bus") to mean "to wait for." For "to hope," use "esperar que" followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood (like "espero que llueva" for "I hope it rains").
What is the English translation of 'esperar'?
It translates to "to wait" or "to hope" depending on the context.
Does 'esperar' change for gender or number?
No, "esperar" conjugates based on the subject pronoun (like yo, tú, él/ella/usted, nosotros, vosotros, ellos/ellas/ustedes) but doesn't change based on the gender or number of the thing being waited for or hoped for.
Is 'esperar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, "esperar" is a very common and essential verb in everyday Spanish conversation.
Does 'esperar' have slang or double meanings?
While "esperar" itself doesn't have slang meanings, the phrase "¡Espero!" can be used informally to mean "I hope so!"
Is 'esperar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of "esperar" is generally consistent across Spain and Latin America. Both meanings of "to wait" and "to hope" are understood and used in the same way.
How do you conjugate 'esperar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: yo espero, tú esperas, él/ella/usted espera, nosotros/as esperamos, vosotros/as esperáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes esperan.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "esperar"

Synonyms: aguardar, desear

💡 Did You Know?

While "esperar" means "to hope," the verb "tener esperanza" also means "to have hope" and can express a more general feeling of hopefulness.

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