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"Aguardar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to wait for", and "esperar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to wait for". Learn more about the difference between "aguardar" and "esperar" below.
aguardar(
ah
-
gwahr
-
dahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to wait for
Llevamos media hora aguardando tu llegada.We've been waiting for your arrival for half an hour.
b. to await
La sala estaba llena de estudiantes que aguardaban las notas finales.The room was full of students awaiting their final exam results.
c. to expect
No puedo salir porque estoy aguardando unos familiares.I can't go out because I'm expecting some family members.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
2. (to await)
a. to wait
Aguarda un minuto. - No puedo; ya se me hizo tarde.Wait a minute. - I can't; I'm already running behind.
a. to be in store
El trabajo que nos aguarda será difícil, pero podemos hacerlo.The work that's in store for us will be difficult, but we can do it.
esperar(
ehs
-
peh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to await)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to stay)
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
A ver, espera. No hace falta ser tan severo con ellos.Hold on a minute. There's no need to be so harsh with them.
Esperen un momento. Llamo a alguien que los atienda.Wait a moment. I'll get someone to come and help you.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Esperemos a leer el informe antes de decidir qué hacer.Let's wait until we read the report before deciding what to do.
Espera a que nos llamen.Wait for them to call us.
esperarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to hold on (emphatic)
Espérate, ¿no se suponía que ibas a estar fuera un par de semanas?Hold on, weren't you supposed to be gone for a couple of weeks?
a. to expect
Se esperan cortes en el suministro de agua esta noche.Disruptions to the water supply are expected tonight.
