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"Esperan" is a form of "esperar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to wait for". "Por el momento" is a phrase which is often translated as "for the time being". Learn more about the difference between "esperan" and "por el momento" below.
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.
por el momento(
pohr
ehl
moh
-
mehn
-
toh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (now)
a. for the time being
No es mucho, pero ese dinero debe bastar por el momento.It isn't much, but that money should be enough for the time being.
b. for now
Estamos emocionados por festejar esta noche, pero por el momento, debemos concentrarnos en nuestro trabajo.We are excited to celebrate tonight, but for now, we must focus on our work.
c. at the moment
Estoy demasiado ocupado para atender ese asunto por el momento.I am too busy to deal with that issue at the moment.
d. for the moment
Nos vamos a Roma pero por el momento, prefiero que nadie lo sepa.We're going to Rome but for the moment, I'd rather nobody knew.
