espera

Esper a is a term primarily found in Spanish, where it functions as a noun and as a verb form. As a noun, espera denotes the act or period of waiting. Common phrases include la sala de espera (waiting room) and tiempo de espera (waiting time). In addition, the word can appear in contexts describing anticipation or delay, but it generally centers on the experience of waiting rather than a sense of hope.

As a verb, esperar means to wait or to hope. The word appears in its present indicative form as espera for él/ella/Ud. (he waits, she waits, you wait) and also as the informal imperative for tú in the command “Espera!” (Wait!). The formal imperative is “Espere” (Wait, Usted). The verb covers both waiting for something to occur and hoping for a desired outcome, with distinctions often clarified by accompanying words such as por (for) or a phrase like esperar a alguien (to wait for someone) or esperar que (to hope that).

Usage notes: In everyday speech, “espera” frequently appears in instructions, schedules, and service contexts (for example, “La gente espera su turno” – People wait for their turn). In literary or formal writing, the noun “espera” may carry a slightly more abstract sense of expectation or delay, whereas “esperanza” is typically used for hope or optimism.

Other languages: In Portuguese, espera has a closely related meaning, used for both waiting and waiting time. In Italian, the equivalent noun is often aspett a, and the verb for hoping is sperare; cognates exist but differ in form and usage.

Overall, espera is a versatile word tied to time, delay, and anticipation within Spanish, with similar roots and related forms in other Romance languages.