espere
“espere” means “Wait” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
Wait
📝 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.
Word Connections
wait / hope / expect
📝 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.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: espere
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'espere' as a polite command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
Comes from the Latin word 'spērāre', which means 'to hope' or 'to look for'. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the idea of waiting for something you hope for or expect.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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.