esperar

Senses

1. 1.

   to wait (for)

   to remain in a place or state until someone/something arrives or an event happens

2. 2.

   to expect

   to believe or anticipate that something will happen or that someone will do something

3. 3.

   to hope (for)

   to wish or desire that something will happen

4. 4.

   to await; to be waiting for

   something is ready or prepared for someone's arrival or use

Examples

• "Espero en la estación de autobús."

  I'm waiting at the bus station.

• "No esperaba que llegaras tan pronto."

  I wasn't expecting you to arrive so soon.

• "Espero que todo salga bien."

  I hope everything goes well.

Usage

*Esperar* is one of the most common Spanish verbs. It requires a direct object (person/thing waited for), an indirect object (person hoped for), or a subjunctive clause after *que*. Common mistake: English speakers sometimes use *esperar por* (with *por*), but standard Spanish uses just *esperar* + object. When followed by an infinitive or subjunctive clause, it emphasizes hoping/wishing rather than passive waiting.