Preterite vs. Imperfect

This form, 'esperé,' is the simple past (preterite). It tells you that the action of waiting started and finished completely at a specific time in the past.

A Completed Past Action

The accent on the 'é' is vital! It distinguishes 'yo esperé' (I waited) from 'él/ella/usted espere' (Wait!/that he waits, which is a command or a special wish form).

The Crucial Accent Mark

In Spanish, when you wait *for* a person or thing, you often just use the verb followed by the thing, or use 'a' for people: 'Esperé el tren' (I waited for the train); 'Esperé a mi amigo' (I waited for my friend).

Waiting FOR Something

Extremely common, used whenever recounting a completed action of waiting or hoping in the past.

Learn the meaning and usage of 'esperé,' the first-person simple past (preterite) form of the verb 'esperar' (to wait, to hope). Includes full conjugation tables and usage tips.

esperé

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations