Wait a moment
in SpanishEspera un momento
/ehs-PEH-rah oon moh-MEHN-toh/
This is the most direct and standard way to say 'wait a moment'. It's a command form, but it's widely used and perfectly acceptable in most everyday situations.
A simple gesture like holding up a finger for 'one moment' is a universal way to accompany phrases like 'Un momento, por favor.'
💬Other Ways to Say It
Un momento, por favor
/oon moh-MEHN-toh, por fah-VOR/
A universally polite and common phrase. It's less of a direct command and more of a polite request, making it a very safe and versatile choice in any context.
Espere un momento
/ehs-PEH-reh oon moh-MEHN-toh/
This is the formal version of 'Espera un momento', using the 'usted' command form. It shows respect and is used when addressing elders, strangers, or superiors.
Un momentito
/oon moh-mehn-TEE-toh/
The '-ito' ending is a diminutive, which makes the phrase sound softer, friendlier, and implies the wait will be very short. It translates to something like 'just a little moment'.
Dame un segundo
/DAH-meh oon seh-GOON-doh/
Literally 'Give me a second'. This is extremely common in casual, everyday speech, much like 'Gimme a sec' in English.
Aguanta un poco
/ah-GWAN-tah oon POH-koh/
This literally means 'Endure a little' or 'Hold on a bit'. It's very informal and can sound a bit demanding if not used with the right tone and person.
Permíteme un momento
/per-MEE-teh-meh oon moh-MEHN-toh/
A very formal and courteous phrase meaning 'Permit me a moment' or 'Allow me a moment'. It's not common in everyday chat but is appropriate in specific contexts.
Espera tantito
/ehs-PEH-rah tan-TEE-toh/
'Tantito' is a diminutive of 'tanto' (so much/many) and in Mexico it means 'a little bit'. This is a quintessential Mexican way to say 'wait a little bit'.
Bancá un toque
/bahn-KAH oon TOH-keh/
This is classic Argentine slang. 'Bancar' means to put up with or endure, and 'un toque' means a touch or a little bit. It's the local equivalent of 'Hang on a sec'.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best phrase based on who you're talking to and the situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espera un momento | Neutral | General, everyday situations with peers or in neutral contexts like shopping. | Speaking to a superior or someone you need to show significant respect to. |
| Un momento, por favor | Neutral/Polite | Almost any situation. It's the safest, most versatile option. | Never a bad choice, but might sound slightly formal among very close friends. |
| Un momentito | Informal | Friends, family, and friendly service staff to sound warm and approachable. | A serious business meeting or a very formal setting. |
| Dame un segundo | Informal | Quick, casual pauses in conversation with friends or colleagues you know well. | Addressing customers, elders, or anyone you would use 'usted' with. |
| Espere un momento | Formal | Addressing a boss, an elderly person, a new client, or any authority figure. | Chatting with your close friends, as it would sound stiff and distant. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are straightforward for English speakers. The main challenge is getting the rhythm of 'moh-MEHN-toh' right.
The main grammatical hurdle is knowing when to use the informal command ('espera') versus the formal command ('espere'). This requires understanding tú vs. usted.
Choosing the right level of formality and knowing when to use friendly diminutives ('-ito') is key to sounding natural and polite.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the tú vs. usted command forms (espera/espere).
- Knowing which regional variation is appropriate.
💡Examples in Action
Un momento, por favor, estoy en otra llamada.
One moment, please, I'm on another call.
¡Aguanta, aguanta! Se me olvidaron las llaves del coche. ¡Dame un segundito!
Hold on, hold on! I forgot the car keys. Give me one little second!
Claro, señora. Espere un momento mientras verifico la información en el sistema.
Of course, ma'am. Please wait a moment while I check the information in the system.
Amor, ¿puedes ayudarme con esto? —Claro, espera tantito, ya casi termino.
Love, can you help me with this? —Of course, wait a little bit, I'm almost done.
🌍Cultural Context
The Power of 'Por Favor'
While 'Espera un momento' is perfectly fine, adding 'por favor' (please) is never a bad idea. It instantly softens the command and makes it more polite, which is highly valued in Spanish-speaking cultures. When in doubt, add 'por favor'.
The Friendliness of '-ito'
Using diminutives like 'momentito' or 'segundito' is incredibly common and a key part of sounding natural. It makes requests feel less demanding, friendlier, and implies the wait will be brief and insignificant. Don't be afraid to use them in informal settings!
The Flexibility of 'Ahorita'
In some regions, especially Mexico, you might hear 'ahorita' which means 'right now'. However, culturally, 'ahorita' can mean anything from 'in the next 30 seconds' to 'sometime later today'. It's a famously flexible concept, so be prepared for the 'moment' to be a bit longer than you expect!
Physical Gestures
Often, asking someone to wait is accompanied by a physical gesture. The most common is raising a hand, palm-out, or just holding up an index finger to signify 'one moment'. This non-verbal cue is universal and helps reinforce your spoken request.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Formality ('Espera' vs. 'Espere')
Mistake: "Saying 'Espera un momento' to an elderly person, your boss, or a police officer."
Correction: Use 'Espere un momento, por favor.' in these situations.
Literally Translating 'Hold On'
Mistake: "Using the verb 'sostener' (to hold/sustain something physically) to mean 'hold on' or 'wait'. For example, *'Sostén, por favor.'"
Correction: Use 'Aguanta' or 'Espera un momento'.
Confusing 'Atender' with 'Esperar'
Mistake: "Using 'atender' to ask someone to wait."
Correction: Use 'esperar'.
💡Pro Tips
Soften Your Tone
Since many of these are commands, your tone of voice is key. A friendly, slightly upward inflection makes it sound like a polite request rather than a harsh order. Combine it with a smile to be extra clear.
Follow Up to Reassure
After you ask someone to wait, it's polite to reassure them you haven't forgotten them. Phrases like 'Ya casi' (I'm almost there) or 'Ya voy' (I'm coming now) let them know you'll be with them shortly.
Master 'Dame un Segundo'
For casual, everyday Spanish, 'Dame un segundo' is your best friend. It's incredibly natural and used constantly among friends and peers. It's the fastest way to sound less like a textbook and more like a native speaker.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Mexicans frequently use diminutives to soften requests. 'Tantito' is a classic example. Also, the concept of 'ahorita' is famously flexible, so when someone tells you to wait 'ahorita', it could be seconds or much longer.
Spain
Spaniards tend to be quite direct. 'Espera' is common and not considered rude in most contexts. The use of 'vosotros' commands ('esperad') is unique to Spain for addressing a group of friends.
Argentina
The use of 'vos' instead of 'tú' is the most defining feature, changing 'espera' to 'esperá'. The slang 'bancá un toque' is very common and a quick way to sound like a local.
Caribbean (e.g., Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic)
There's heavy influence from English ('break', 'chance'). 'Un chin' is a very common local word for 'a little bit'. The pace of speech is often very fast.
💬What Comes Next?
After you've made them wait and are ready to continue.
Claro, no hay problema.
Sure, no problem.
Gracias por esperar. ¿En qué te puedo ayudar?
Thanks for waiting. How can I help you?
You ask them to wait on the phone to transfer them.
De acuerdo.
Okay.
No cuelgue, por favor. Le pongo en espera.
Don't hang up, please. I'm putting you on hold.
You are ready to proceed after the brief pause.
Tómate tu tiempo.
Take your time.
Listo, ya estoy contigo. ¿Qué me decías?
Okay, I'm with you now. What were you saying?
🧠Memory Tricks
This silly visual connects the sound of 'espera' to an action, making the verb easier to recall in the moment.
Leveraging words you already know (cognates) is a powerful shortcut in language learning. This one is almost a freebie!
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, we often phrase 'wait a moment' as a question, like 'Could you wait a moment?' or 'Can you hold on a sec?'. While you can do this in Spanish ('¿Puedes esperar un momento?'), it's far more common to use the direct command form ('Espera'). This can feel abrupt to English speakers, but it's perfectly normal in Spanish, especially when softened with 'por favor' or a friendly tone.
The standard Spanish command 'Espera' is more direct than the typical polite English phrasing. This is why cultural softeners like 'un momentito', 'por favor', and a friendly tone are so important for learners to master to avoid sounding rude.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Translating this as 'sostener' is incorrect. 'Sostener' means to physically hold or support an object.
Use instead: For telling someone to wait, use 'espera' or 'aguanta'. For putting someone on hold on the phone, you can say 'No cuelgue, por favor' (Don't hang up, please).
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say 'please' and 'thank you'
These are essential politeness markers that should accompany any request.
How to say 'I'm sorry'
Useful for apologizing for making someone wait, e.g., 'Perdón por la espera' (Sorry for the wait).
How to say 'I need help'
Often, you ask someone to wait because you need a moment to help someone else or get help yourself.
How to ask 'Are you ready?'
This is a natural follow-up after you or the other person has finished waiting.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Wait a moment
Question 1 of 3
You are in a business meeting and your boss asks you a question, but you need a second to find the right document. What is the MOST appropriate phrase to use?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'Espera' and 'Espere'?
'Espera' is the informal command you use with friends, family, and people your age (the 'tú' form). 'Espere' is the formal command for elders, strangers, bosses, or anyone you'd address as 'usted' to show respect. Using the wrong one can sound either rude or overly stiff.
Is it rude to just say 'Un momento' without 'por favor'?
Not necessarily rude, especially if your tone is friendly, but it's more direct. Adding 'por favor' is a simple habit that makes you sound consistently polite and respectful in any situation. It's highly recommended to include it.
When is 'aguanta' okay to use? It sounds a little harsh.
'Aguanta' literally means 'endure' or 'put up with it', so it is very informal. It's best used with close friends in casual situations, like 'Hold on, don't tell me the score yet!'. On the phone, it's a very common way to say 'hold on a sec'. Avoid it in any formal or professional context.
How do I say 'hold on' when I'm on the phone?
You have a few great options. For a friend, you can say 'Aguanta'. For a more neutral or professional call, 'Un momento, por favor' is perfect. If you're going to put them on hold officially, you can say 'Le pongo en espera un momento' (I'll put you on hold for a moment).
What's the difference between 'un momento' and 'un momentito'?
Functionally, they mean the same thing. However, 'un momentito' uses a diminutive ('-ito'), which adds a layer of friendliness and softness. It makes the request sound less demanding and implies the wait will be very brief. It's great for informal and semi-formal situations.
I heard someone say 'ahorita'. How long do I have to wait?
That's the million-dollar question! 'Ahorita' is famously ambiguous, especially in Mexico and the Caribbean. It can mean 'immediately,' 'in a few minutes,' or even 'later today.' Your best bet is to relax and be patient; it will happen when it happens.
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