esperar vs aguardar
Both verbs mean "to wait or expect". Are they interchangeable? When is one more appropriate?
6 Answers
You will hear esperar more in the spoken language and see aguardar more in the written language and subtitles.
Other than that I would say they are interchangeable.
In general, I would say that aguardar is simply more formal than esperar.
Interchangeable? Leaving aside writing style yes.
Kiwi said: But along with the above expressions, in other Spanish speaking countries such Mexico and parts of Central America, you’re just as likely to hear ‘aguardar ‘ being used.
In six years in Mexico I have never once heard aguardar used instead of esperar for wait.
Don't believe everything you read, including this. lol
I hope that this mini lesson may help.
In six years in Mexico I have never once heard aguardar used instead of esperar for wait.
Don't believe everything you read, including this. lol. Gringo
Maybe even in Mexico it's regional. This is from another SDmember who also lives in Mexico. (quote bellow). But good to know from your perspective too. Maybe I'll change my wording to say 'parts' of Mexico to be more accurate.
My impression is that in Mexico, at least where we hang out, "aguardar" is used in the sense of waiting, and "esperar" is more of a feeling of expectation.
All I am going to say is that:
Aguardar = wait or expect, depending on context.
Esperar = wait or hope or expect depending of context.
Not freely interchangeable.
ok?
