Espero

Espero is a form of the Spanish verb esperar. It is the first-person singular present indicative, meaning either “I hope” or “I wait,” depending on the context. The verb esperar itself comes from Latin exspectare, meaning to look out for, to await, or to expect.

Usage and meaning

- Hope: when expressing a wish or expectation about the future, as in “Espero que todo salga bien” (I hope everything turns out well) or “Espero que lleguen a tiempo” (I hope they arrive on time).

- Waiting: when indicating a literal waiting for someone or something, as in “Espero el autobús” (I am waiting for the bus) or “Espero a mis amigos” (I am waiting for my friends).

Conjugation and forms

- Present indicative: yo espero, tú esperas, él/ella/Ud. espera, nosotros esperamos, vosotros esperáis, ellos esperan.

- Related forms include the infinitive esperar, the preterite esperé/esperaste/esperó, and the present subjunctive espere/esperes/espere/esperemos/esperéis/esperen, among others.

- Accented forms are used in certain second-person plural forms (vosotros esperáis) and in some regional variants.

Nuances and usage notes

- "Espero" conveys attitude or sentiment (hope) more than a simple act of waiting, though it can function as both depending on context.

- In formal writing or speech, phrases like “Espero su respuesta” (I look forward to your response) are common and polite.

- Distinguishing between esperar (to hope/to wait) and other verbs with similar meanings relies on context and the accompanying clause.

See also

- Esperar

- Ojalá, another Spanish expression related to hopeful wishes.

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