esperan
/es-PEH-rahn/
they wait
When referring to a group of people, "esperan" means they wait.
esperan(Verb (Conjugated Form))
they wait
?referring to a group of people
,you (plural) wait
?formal address (ustedes)
they are waiting
?continuous action
📝 In Action
Ellos esperan el autobús en la parada.
A1They are waiting for the bus at the stop.
¿Cuánto tiempo esperan ustedes por el doctor?
A2How long are you (plural) waiting for the doctor?
Esperan pacientemente que termine la reunión.
B1They wait patiently for the meeting to end.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'They' Form
This form, 'esperan,' is used for 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine group), and 'ustedes' (you, plural/formal).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Use 'Para'
Mistake: "Ellos esperan para el tren."
Correction: Ellos esperan el tren.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Present Tense
In Spanish, the simple present 'esperan' can mean both 'they wait' and 'they are waiting,' making it very versatile.
"Esperan" can also mean they hope, expressing a desire for a positive future.
esperan(Verb (Conjugated Form))
they hope
?expressing desire for the future
,they expect
?anticipating a result
you (plural) hope
?formal address (ustedes)
📝 In Action
Esperan que las negociaciones terminen pronto.
B1They hope the negotiations end soon.
Los científicos esperan encontrar una cura.
B2The scientists expect (or hope) to find a cure.
💡 Grammar Points
Hoping Triggers the Special Verb Form
When 'esperan' is followed by 'que' and a different subject, the next verb must change to the special 'subjunctive' form because you are expressing desire or uncertainty, not stating a fact.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expectation vs. Waiting
If the context involves a feeling about the future (hope), use 'esperar'. If it involves physical time passing (wait), also use 'esperar'. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: esperan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'esperan' to mean 'to hope'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'esperar' sometimes mean 'to wait for' without 'por' or 'para'?
Unlike English, which needs 'for' (wait *for*), the Spanish verb 'esperar' is transitivo, meaning it directly connects to the person or thing being waited for. Just say 'Esperan el tren' (They wait the train).
Is 'esperan' only used for people?
No. 'Esperan' is the verb form used when the subject (who is doing the waiting or hoping) is plural (they/you all). The subject could be people, animals, or even groups like 'Los gobiernos esperan...' (The governments hope...).