aspetta

Aspetta is an Italian verb form that is most commonly encountered as the third person singular present indicative of aspettare (he/she/it waits) and as the second person singular informal imperative (wait!). The basic meaning of aspettare is to wait, but it can also convey the sense of to expect in certain contexts. The corresponding noun is l’attesa, meaning waiting or anticipation.

Etymology and related forms: Aspettare comes from Latin exspectāre, meaning to look for or await. The Italian verb has regular -are conjugation patterns, with io aspetto, tu aspetti, lui/lei aspetta in the present tense. Other forms include noi aspettiamo, voi aspettate, loro aspettano. The imperative forms include aspetta (tu), aspetti (Lei), aspettiamo (noi, let us wait), aspettate (voi), and aspettino (Loro). The word also appears in phrases and expressions that center on delaying or awaiting something.

Usage and examples: Aspetta is used in everyday speech to tell someone to pause or remain where they are, as in Aspetta un attimo (Wait a moment). It can also introduce a clause: Aspetta che arrivo (Wait until I arrive). In written Italian, aspettare often appears with direct objects: Aspetta la tua visita, or Aspetta il treno. The verb attendere is a near synonym in more formal or literary contexts, though aspettare is far more common in modern Italian and can carry a nuance of anticipation as well as delay.

See also: aspettativa, aspettare, attendere. Cultural notes: as a common verb in conversation, aspetta frequently appears in Italian media, signage, and dialogue to convey patience, delay, or anticipation.