Esperar can mean waiting for someone or something, or hoping for an outcome.
The idea
Say esperar el tren, esperar a Ana and esperar terminar; the personal a marks a specific person.
Examples
- Espero el tren en la estación.I wait for the train at the station.
- ¿Esperas a tu amiga aquí?Are you waiting for your friend here?
- Ana espera una respuesta.Ana is waiting for an answer.
- Esperamos cerca de la entrada.We wait near the entrance.
- Ellos esperan el autobús.They are waiting for the bus.
- Espero terminar el trabajo hoy.I hope to finish the work today.
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Watch out
Do not translate English “for” automatically: esperar el tren has no preposition before the train.
Try it yourself
Choose the present form for I: Yo ___ el tren. (espero / esperan)
Show answer or example answer
espero
Espero is the present form for yo.
Choose the marker before a specific person: Esperamos ___ Ana. (a / de)
Show answer or example answer
a
A marks Ana as a specific person being awaited.
Choose the infinitive after espero: Espero ___ el trabajo hoy. (terminar / termina)
Show answer or example answer
terminar
Terminar is an infinitive after espero in this hope statement.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the present form for I: Yo ___ el tren. (espero / esperan)
Choose the marker before a specific person: Esperamos ___ Ana. (a / de)
Choose the infinitive after espero: Espero ___ el trabajo hoy. (terminar / termina)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Say whom or what you are waiting for and what you hope to do today.