What is the difference between "espere", "esperad", "demora", "paren" in Spanish?

The English word 'wait' can be translated into Spanish in several ways, depending on whether you are referring to a delay, giving a command, or asking someone to pause. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate Spanish word.

How to Say "wait" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “wait” is “espere” — use this when politely telling one person to wait, often in a formal or service context..

espere🔊A1

Use this when politely telling one person to wait, often in a formal or service context.

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esperad🔊A2

Use this when telling a group of people to wait, in an informal context.

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demora🔊A2

Use this when referring to a delay or the time spent waiting, especially for transportation or appointments.

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paren🔊A1

Use this informally to tell people to stop an action they are currently doing, similar to 'stop' rather than 'wait'.

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English → Spanish

espere

/es-PEH-reh//esˈpe.ɾe/

verbA1formal

Use this when politely telling one person to wait, often in a formal or service context.

A friendly staff member standing at a reception desk, holding up an open hand in a gentle gesture to signal a customer to stop and wait patiently.

Examples

Espere un momento, por favor.

Wait a moment, please.

Espere aquí mientras busco sus documentos.

Wait here while I look for your documents.

No se mueva, espere a que la luz cambie a verde.

Don't move, wait for the light to turn green.

Polite Commands (for 'usted')

Use 'espere' to politely tell one person to 'Wait'. This is the formal command you'd use with a stranger, an older person, or in a professional setting. The informal version for a friend is 'espera'.

Formal vs. Informal

Mistake: “Saying 'Espera, por favor' to a police officer.”

Correction: Use 'Espere, por favor'. In formal situations, always use the '-e' ending for '-ar' verbs to show respect.

See full entry for “espere” →

esperad

/es-peh-RAHD//es.peˈɾað/

verbA2informal

Use this when telling a group of people to wait, in an informal context.

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.'

See full entry for “esperad” →

demora

/de-MOH-rah//deˈmoɾa/

nounA2

Use this when referring to a delay or the time spent waiting, especially for transportation or appointments.

A person sitting patiently on a wooden bench next to a suitcase, looking out a window at falling rain.

Examples

Pedimos disculpas por la demora del tren.

We apologize for the train delay.

Necesito los documentos sin más demora.

I need the documents without further delay.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'a', just like most words for objects, this noun is feminine. Use 'la demora' or 'una demora'.

Demora vs. Retraso

Mistake: “Using 'retraso' for everything.”

Correction: While 'retraso' is more common in daily speech, 'demora' is the preferred word in professional settings like airports or official letters.

See full entry for “demora” →

paren

PAHR-ehn/'pa.ɾen/

verbA1informal

Use this informally to tell people to stop an action they are currently doing, similar to 'stop' rather than 'wait'.

A simple drawing showing three figures walking along a path. The leading figure has stopped and holds one hand out in front of them with an open palm, signaling the other two figures to halt.

Examples

¡Paren! No crucen la calle sin mirar.

Stop! Don't cross the street without looking.

Señores, paren el motor inmediatamente.

Gentlemen, stop the engine immediately.

Paren de hacer ruido, por favor.

Stop making noise, please.

A Command for Many People

"Paren" is the command form used when you are giving an order or instruction to a group of people (ustedes).

Regular Verb Pattern

Since 'parar' is a regular -ar verb, its command form follows the pattern of the subjunctive mood, which makes it easy to remember.

Using the wrong ending for commands

Mistake: “Using 'paran' (present tense) instead of 'paren' (command form) for an order.”

Correction: Say '¡Paren! (Stop!)' not '¡Paran!'. The '-en' ending is required for plural commands.

See full entry for “paren” →

Verb vs. Noun for 'Wait'

The most common mistake is using the noun 'demora' when you mean to tell someone to wait (verb). Remember, 'demora' describes the delay itself, while 'espere' or 'esperad' are commands to pause.

Related Translations

delay→delays→expect→halt→hold on→lateness→stop→takes time→

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