Inklingo

How to Say "hold on" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hold on” is “espérame” — use 'espérame' when you are asking one person to wait for a very short time, often in a situation where you are moving away briefly.

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espérame

Verb (Affirmative Command)A1Informal
Use 'espérame' when you are asking one person to wait for a very short time, often in a situation where you are moving away briefly.

Examples

¡Corre, corre! No te vayas, espérame.

Run, run! Don't leave, wait for me.

esperad

es-peh-RAHDes.peˈɾað

VerbA2Informal
Use 'esperad' when you are commanding two or more people to wait.
Three colorful storybook characters are paused on a path. The character in the foreground has their arm extended with an open palm facing the other two characters, signaling them to stop or wait.

Examples

Esperad, por favor, que necesito atarme los cordones.

Wait, please, I need to tie my shoelaces.

Si esperad un poco más, os prometo que veréis las estrellas fugaces.

If you all wait a little longer, I promise you will see the shooting stars.

The 'Vosotros' Command

This form is the direct command (imperative) for 'vosotros' (informal 'you all'). It is formed by taking the infinitive ('esperar') and replacing the final 'r' with a 'd'.

Confusing Regions

Mistake: “Using 'esperad' in Latin America.”

Correction: In almost all of Latin America, you should use 'esperen' (the 'ustedes' form) instead of 'esperad.'

agárrate

VerbA2Informal
Use 'agárrate' when instructing someone to physically grip or hold onto something tightly for stability or support.

Examples

¡Agárrate fuerte de la barandilla!

Hold on tight to the railing!

mantente

mahn-TEHN-tehmanˈtente

VerbA2Informal
Use 'mantente' as a figurative command, encouraging someone to stay in a particular state or position, often related to safety or a course of action.
A small, friendly brown dog sitting perfectly still on a green patch of grass, illustrating the concept of staying put.

Examples

Mantente alejado del fuego, por favor.

Stay away from the fire, please.

Si quieres tener éxito, mantente enfocado en tus metas.

If you want to be successful, keep focused on your goals.

No te rindas, ¡mantente fuerte!

Don't give up, keep strong!

A Command for 'You' (Informal)

This word is the informal command form ('tú' command) of the verb 'mantenerse'. It is used to tell a friend or family member what to do.

Reflexive Pronoun Attachment

When giving an affirmative command (telling someone to do something), the reflexive pronoun 'te' (yourself) is always attached directly to the end of the verb, forming one word.

Stress Shift in Commands

The original verb form is 'mantén,' but when 'te' is added, the stress shifts naturally to the second-to-last syllable (man-TEN-te). This is why no written accent is needed on the final word.

Separating the Pronoun

Mistake: “Te mantén.”

Correction: Mantente. (In affirmative commands, the 'te' must stick to the end of the verb.)

Using the Wrong Command Type

Mistake: “Manténte (when telling an older person).”

Correction: Manténgase. (Use the 'usted' form, 'manténgase,' for formal or polite commands.)

aguante

ah-GWAN-tehaˈɡwante

VerbB1Informal
Use 'aguante' as a wish or command for someone to endure a difficult situation or persevere through hardship.
A small plant seedling braving a heavy rainstorm, standing firm against the wind.

Examples

¡Aguante, ya casi llegamos!

Hang in there, we're almost there!

¡Aguante Argentina!

Go Argentina!

No creo que él aguante tanto frío.

I don't think he can stand so much cold.

The 'Cheering' Form

When you shout '¡Aguante!', you are using a special verb form (the subjunctive) to express a wish for something to stay strong.

Wait vs. Endure

The most common confusion is between 'esperar' (to wait) and 'aguantar' (to endure/hold on). Learners often use 'esperar' when they mean 'aguante' (hang in there) or vice-versa. Remember: 'esperar' is about pausing time, while 'aguantar' is about dealing with difficulty.

Related Translations

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