espere
/es-PEH-reh/
Wait
When used as a polite command (Usted form), espere means 'Wait' or 'Hold on.'
📝 In Action
Espere un momento, por favor.
A1Wait a moment, please.
Espere aquí mientras busco sus documentos.
A2Wait here while I look for your documents.
No se mueva, espere a que la luz cambie a verde.
B1Don't move, wait for the light to turn green.
💡 Grammar Points
Polite Commands (for 'usted')
Use 'espere' to politely tell one person to 'Wait'. This is the formal command you'd use with a stranger, an older person, or in a professional setting. The informal version for a friend is 'espera'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Formal vs. Informal
Mistake: "Saying 'Espera, por favor' to a police officer."
Correction: Use 'Espere, por favor'. In formal situations, always use the '-e' ending for '-ar' verbs to show respect.
⭐ Usage Tips
When in Doubt, Be Polite
If you're not sure whether to be formal or informal with someone, using 'espere' is always a safe and respectful choice.
In the subjunctive mood, espere is used to express wishes, hope, or expectation, often following phrases like 'I hope that...'
espere(Verb)
wait / hope / expect
?used after phrases like 'I want that...' or 'I hope that...'
📝 In Action
Quiero que usted me espere.
A2I want you to wait for me.
Espero que él espere mi llamada.
B1I hope that he waits for my call.
Cuando yo espere el autobús, leeré un libro.
B2When I wait for the bus, I will read a book.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Wish and Doubt' Verb Form
'Espere' is a special form used after words that express things that aren't certain, like wishes, doubts, or requests. For example, after 'Quiero que...' (I want that...), the next verb changes to this form.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Verb Form
Mistake: "Mi mamá quiere que yo espera en casa."
Correction: Say 'Mi mamá quiere que yo espere en casa.' The phrase 'quiere que' is a trigger that changes the next verb to this special 'espere' form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Look for Trigger Phrases
Keep an eye out for phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that), 'es posible que' (it's possible that), or 'dudo que' (I doubt that). They are strong clues that you'll need to use 'espere' or a similar special verb form.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: espere
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'espere' as a polite command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'espere' and 'espera'?
'Espere' is the formal, polite way to say 'Wait!' to one person (the 'usted' form). 'Espera' is the informal, casual way you'd say it to a friend (the 'tú' form).
Why does the verb change to 'espere' in 'Quiero que espere'?
In Spanish, when you express a wish, doubt, or command for someone else to do something (like with 'quiero que...'), the verb that follows often changes to a special form. 'Espere' is that special form for the verb 'esperar'. It signals that the action isn't a fact, but something that is wanted or uncertain.