⏱️ 2 min practice • 🔥 CEFR A1

esperar

Regular -ar Level A1 ⭐ #19 Most Common

English translation: to wait / to hope / to expect

Stem Pattern: Regular -ar / Triggers subjunctive when expressing hope
💡 Key Usage Note: Means both 'to wait' and 'to hope'. When it means 'to hope', it triggers the subjunctive: 'Espero que vengas'.
📘 Linguistic Rule: Regular -ar verb; functions as a core WEIRDOS subjunctive trigger.
⚖️ Esperar vs. Buscar
View BUSCAR →
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Presente

Waiting or hoping.

Subject Pronoun Conjugation Audio
yo espero
tú esperas
él / ella / usted espera
nosotros esperamos
vosotros esperáis
ellos / ellas esperan
Example Sentences in Context
  • Te espero en la estación de tren. — Seni tren istasyonunda bekliyorum.
💡 Tip: Click any row's audio button to hear native pronunciation
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AI Smart Tutor: 'ESPERAR' Insights

Linguistic breakdowns & native shortcuts

Smart Tips
🧠 Memory Trick (Mnemonic)

Think of 'esperanza' (hope) and 'despair' (lack of hope).

⚠️ Most Common Student Mistake
✗ Don't say: Espero que tú vienes.
✓ Say instead: Espero que vengas.

Why: 'Esperar que' expresses a wish → requires the subjunctive: vengas.

🗣️ Essential Native Idioms with 'esperar'
Esperar sentado

= Don't hold your breath / It'll take forever

"Si esperas una disculpa, puedes esperar sentado."

🎴 Flashcard Practice Mode

Flip through pronouns to test active recall for 'esperar'

1 / 12
Presente
yo

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Answer
espero

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESPERAR

Is "esperar" a regular or irregular verb in Spanish? ▾

"esperar" is classified as a Regular -ar verb in Spanish. Its characteristic conjugation pattern is "Regular -ar / Triggers subjunctive when expressing hope". Regular -ar verb; functions as a core WEIRDOS subjunctive trigger. Means both 'to wait' and 'to hope'. When it means 'to hope', it triggers the subjunctive: 'Espero que vengas'.

What does "esperar" mean in English? ▾

In English, "esperar" translates primarily to "to wait / to hope / to expect". In natural speech, it is commonly used across CEFR level A1 contexts for everyday communication.

What is the most frequent mistake learners make with "esperar"? ▾

A frequent error is saying "Espero que tú vienes." instead of "Espero que vengas.". Why? 'Esperar que' expresses a wish → requires the subjunctive: vengas.

What are common idioms or expressions with "esperar"? ▾

A popular idiom is "Esperar sentado" which means "Don't hold your breath / It'll take forever" (e.g. "Si esperas una disculpa, puedes esperar sentado.").

How can I practice and memorize "esperar" conjugations? ▾

Use Verbpedia's built-in interactive flashcards, pronounce each form using native Web Speech audio, and complete the instant mini-quiz below. You can also print a distraction-free A4 cheat sheet using the Print button above.

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Quick Practice: Fill in the Blanks

Test your understanding of 'esperar' across tenses

Interactive Quiz
Question 1 (Presente)

Nosotros te ___ en la puerta.

Other Important Spanish Verbs to Study

tener Irregular

to have / to be (age, hunger)

ser Highly Irregular

to be (identity, permanent traits)

estar Irregular

to be (temporary states, location)

ir Highly Irregular

to go

hacer Irregular

to do / to make

querer Irregular

to want / to love

saber Irregular

to know (facts, how to do something)

venir Irregular

to come

hablar Regular

to speak / to talk

poder Irregular

to be able to / can

vivir Regular

to live / reside

comer Regular

to eat

dormir Stem-Changer

to sleep

poner Irregular

to put / place / set

salir Irregular

to leave / go out / exit

sentir Stem-Changer

to feel / regret

pedir Stem-Changer

to ask for / request / order

conducir Irregular

to drive / lead

caer Irregular (G-verb & Y-spell)

to fall

traer Irregular (J-stem preterite)

to bring

oír Highly Irregular

to hear, listen to

conocer Irregular (zc-stem)

to know / to be acquainted with / to meet

pensar Stem-Changing (e -> ie)

to think / to plan (+ inf)

dar Highly Irregular

to give / to produce / to hit

ver Irregular

to see / to watch

llegar Orthographic Changing (g -> gu)

to arrive / to reach

perder Stem-Changing (e -> ie)

to lose / to miss (train/bus)

entender Stem-Changing (e -> ie)

to understand / to comprehend

volver Stem-Changing & Irregular Participle

to return / to come back

creer Irregular

to believe / to think

buscar Orthographic Irregular

to look for / to search

sentar Stem-changing verb

to sit / to seat (reflexive: sentarse)

valer Irregular

to be worth / to cost

morir Stem-changing (o -> ue / u)

to die

nacer Irregular (-cer)

to be born

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