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How to Say "hope" in Spanish

English → Spanish

esperanza

es-pe-RAN-sa/es.peˈɾan.sa/

NounA1General
Use 'esperanza' when referring to the general feeling or abstract concept of hoping for something to happen in the future.
A close-up illustration showing a small, bright green plant sprout emerging from dry, cracked brown soil, reaching toward a warm, golden sunbeam.

Examples

Nunca pierdas la esperanza de un futuro mejor.

Never lose hope for a better future.

Ella es mi única esperanza de ganar la competencia.

She is my only hope of winning the competition.

Nos dio una pequeña esperanza de que el tratamiento funcionaría.

It gave us a small expectation (or glimmer of hope) that the treatment would work.

Always Feminine

Esperanza is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'La esperanza' (The hope).

Noun vs. Verb

The related verb is 'esperar,' which means both 'to wait' and 'to hope.' 'Esperanza' (the noun) only means 'hope' or 'expectation'—never 'the wait'.

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “El esperanza.”

Correction: La esperanza. Always remember feminine nouns that end in '-a' are common, and this one is definitely feminine.

ilusión

NounA2General
Use 'ilusión' when 'hope' implies a strong sense of excitement, eagerness, or a cherished aspiration about a future event.

Examples

Tengo mucha ilusión por empezar la universidad.

I'm really excited/eager to start university.

aliento

/ah-LYEN-toh//aˈljento/

NounB1General
Use 'aliento' when 'hope' is understood as encouragement or support given to someone to help them keep going.
A simplified storybook scene showing one smiling figure placing a supportive hand on the shoulder of a smaller figure, who looks uplifted and encouraged.

Examples

Sus palabras de aliento me ayudaron a no rendirme.

His words of encouragement helped me not to give up.

El equipo necesita un poco de aliento de los aficionados.

The team needs a little spirit/encouragement from the fans.

Recuperó el aliento y decidió seguir adelante con el proyecto.

He recovered his spirit/strength and decided to move forward with the project.

Figurative Use

This meaning uses 'aliento' as a metaphor for an inner life force or strength. Think of breath as the essence of life and vigor.

General Hope vs. Eager Anticipation

Learners often confuse 'esperanza' and 'ilusión'. Remember, 'esperanza' is the general feeling of wanting something to happen, while 'ilusión' is about the excited anticipation and positive expectation of that happening.

Related Translations

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