Just a second
A slightly more formal but very common way to say 'one moment'.
A friendly and very common diminutive meaning 'just a little moment'.
An informal command meaning 'wait for me', used with friends and family.
—Do you have the time? —Yes, just a second.
One moment, please. I'm on the phone.
Just a little moment! I forgot my keys.
Wait for me, I'm almost finished.
'Un segundo', 'un momento', and the friendly diminutive 'un momentito' are universally understood and used.
It's very common to hear 'espérame tantito' or 'aguanta tantito', which both mean 'wait a little bit'. 'Tantito' is a classic Mexican colloquialism.
The '-ico' diminutive is very popular. You'll frequently hear 'un momentico' or 'un segundito'.
In very informal situations, you might hear 'bancá un toque' or 'pará un poco'. However, 'un segundo' and 'un momento' are perfectly common and understood.
'Un momento' is extremely common, perhaps even more so than 'un segundo'. The regionalisms 'tantito' or 'momentico' are not used.
Using 'justo un segundo'. This is a literal translation. 'Justo' means 'exact' or 'fair', not 'only'. To say 'just a second', simply say 'Un segundo'.
Saying 'solamente un segundo'. While grammatically correct, it sounds a bit stiff and overly formal for this common, quick request. 'Un segundo' or 'un momento' is much more natural.
Confusing command forms. 'Espera' is the informal 'tú' command (wait), while 'espere' is the formal 'usted' command. Use 'Espere, por favor' with strangers or in formal settings.
Found this useful? Save it for later.
how to say i am in a hurry in spanish
phrase