esperar

Senses

1. 1.

   to wait (for)

   to pause or remain in a place until something happens or someone arrives

2. 2.

   to expect; to hope for

   to believe that something will happen in the future

3. 3.

   to anticipate

   to think or predict that something will occur

4. 4.

   to tolerate; to put up with

   to endure or accept something unpleasant (less common)

Examples

• "Estou esperando o ônibus na parada."

  I'm waiting for the bus at the stop.

• "Não esperava encontrar você aqui!"

  I didn't expect to find you here!

• "Espero que tudo corra bem na sua entrevista."

  I hope everything goes well in your interview.

Usage

One of the most common Portuguese verbs. "Esperar por" (wait for) is more emphatic than "esperar" alone. When used with a subjunctive clause (espero que + subjuntivo), it conveys hope or expectation. Distinct from "aguardar," which is more formal.