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How to Say "hold on" in Spanish

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espérame

Verb (Affirmative Command)A1Informal
Use 'espérame' when you are leaving or moving ahead and need someone to pause their movement and wait specifically for you.

Examples

¡Corre, corre! No te vayas, espérame.

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

esperad

/es-peh-RAHD//es.peˈɾað/

VerbA2Informal
Use 'esperad' as a command to multiple people, asking them to wait or pause.
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' for the literal, physical action of gripping something tightly for support or stability.

Examples

¡Agárrate fuerte de la barandilla!

Hold on tight to the railing!

mantente

/mahn-TEHN-teh//manˈtente/

Verb (Command Form)A2Informal
Use 'mantente' figuratively to tell someone to remain in a certain state or position, often implying endurance or avoidance.
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.)

Wait vs. Hold On Physically

Learners often confuse 'espérame/esperad' (wait) with 'agárrate' (hold on physically). Remember that 'espérame/esperad' are about pausing or waiting, while 'agárrate' is about gripping something for support.

Related Translations

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