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"Esperar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to wait for", and "yo" is a pronoun which is often translated as "I". Learn more about the difference between "esperar" and "yo" below.
esperar(
ehs
-
peh
-
rahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to wait for
Espérame que yo también voy.Wait for me, I'm coming too.
a. to hope
Espero saber de ti pronto.I hope to hear from you soon.
a. to expect
No espero compasión si me capturan.I don't expect any mercy if captured.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to wait
Espera que ya vengo.Wait, I'm coming.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct 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.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct 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.).
pronominal verb
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.
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yo(
yoh
)
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., she).
pronoun
a. I
Yo soy su hermana.I am her sister.
a. me
Ella es más joven que yo.She is younger than me.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. ego
Tu yo es tu esencia.Your ego is your essence.
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