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How to Say "waits" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aguarda

ah-GWAHR-dah/aˈɣwaɾða/

Verb (Conjugated Form)A2General
Use 'aguarda' when referring to the action of someone or something waiting for a specific event or outcome, often implying anticipation.
A small child sitting patiently on a simple wooden bench, looking down an empty, winding path with an expectant expression.

Examples

El director aguarda los resultados de la reunión.

The director awaits the results of the meeting.

Mi abuela siempre aguarda la primavera para plantar flores.

My grandmother always waits for spring to plant flowers.

¿Usted aguarda el autobús o el tren?

Are you (formal) waiting for the bus or the train?

The 'He/She/You Formal' Form

In Spanish, the form 'aguarda' is used when the person doing the action is 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (the formal way to say 'you').

esperas

es-PEH-ras/esˈpeɾas/

NounB1General
Use 'esperas' when referring to the duration or periods of time spent waiting, especially when these periods are inconvenient or lengthy.
A line of three distinct cartoon animals—a rabbit, a fox, and a bear—standing patiently one behind the other at a closed window, depicting multiple periods of delay.

Examples

Las esperas en el hospital son muy largas.

The waits at the hospital are very long.

No cumplió con las esperas del cliente.

He did not meet the client's expectations.

Debido a las esperas, perdimos el vuelo.

Due to the delays (waits), we missed the flight.

Source of the Noun

This noun is the plural form of 'la espera' (the wait), which comes directly from the verb 'esperar' (to wait).

Action vs. Duration

The most common mistake is using 'esperas' (noun, duration) when you mean the verb 'aguarda' (action of waiting). Remember that 'aguarda' describes *someone* waiting, while 'esperas' describes the *time* spent waiting.

Related Translations

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