espero
/es-PEH-roh/
I wait for
Visualizing 'I wait for': A scene of quiet anticipation while waiting for transportation.
espero(Verb)
📝 In Action
Espero el autobús en la parada.
A1I wait for the bus at the bus stop.
Te espero en el café a las cinco.
A1I'll wait for you at the café at five.
Siempre espero a que la luz se ponga verde.
A2I always wait for the light to turn green.
💡 Grammar Points
No 'for' Needed
In English, you say 'I wait FOR the bus'. In Spanish, the idea of 'for' is already included in the verb 'esperar'. So, you just say 'Espero el autobús'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Adding 'por' or 'para'
Mistake: "Espero por mi amigo."
Correction: Espero a mi amigo. When waiting for a person, use 'a'. When waiting for a thing, use nothing. Never use 'por' or 'para'.
Visualizing 'I hope': Expressing a strong desire or wish for a specific outcome.
📝 In Action
Espero que estés bien.
A2I hope you are well.
Espero ganar la lotería algún día.
B1I hope to win the lottery someday.
Espero que no llueva mañana.
A2I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.
💡 Grammar Points
Hoping for Others vs. Yourself
When you hope someone else does something, use 'que' + a special verb form (subjunctive): 'Espero que vengas'. If you hope to do it yourself, just use the basic verb form: 'Espero venir'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Paired with 'Ojalá'
You'll often hear 'espero' used in similar situations as 'ojalá'. Both mean 'I hope', but 'ojalá' can sometimes feel a bit stronger or more wishful.
Visualizing 'I expect': Showing firm belief and anticipation that something is about to happen.
📝 In Action
Espero una llamada de mi jefe.
B1I'm expecting a call from my boss.
No espero menos de ti.
B1I expect no less from you.
Espero recibir el paquete mañana.
B2I expect to receive the package tomorrow.
⭐ Usage Tips
Hope vs. Expectation
The difference between 'I hope' and 'I expect' is all about context. 'Espero que gane' means you want him to win (hope). 'Espero que gane porque es el mejor' means you think he will win (expect).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: espero
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'I hope it doesn't rain'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there three meanings for one word? How do I know which one is being used?
Context is everything! If someone is looking at their watch at a bus stop, 'espero' means 'I wait'. If they are talking about a friend's exam, 'espero' means 'I hope'. If they are looking at the door, 'espero' probably means 'I expect'. You'll get used to telling the difference very quickly.
Do I always need 'que' after 'espero' when I'm hoping for something?
Only when you're hoping that *someone or something else* does an action. For example, 'Espero que **tú** vengas' (I hope that **you** come). If you are hoping to do the action yourself, you don't use 'que'. For example, 'Espero venir' (I hope to come).
Is 'espero' the same as 'I am waiting'?
Yes, it can be. In Spanish, the simple present tense ('espero') is often used for actions happening right now, just like 'I am waiting' in English. You can also say 'Estoy esperando', which is a more direct translation, but 'espero' is very common and natural in this situation.