Wait a moment
A polite and universally understood version, literally 'One moment, please'. Use it in any situation, formal or informal.
A more casual and friendly way to say 'just a sec'. The '-ito' ending is a diminutive that makes it sound softer and quicker.
An informal phrase meaning 'Hold on a bit'. 'Aguantar' means to hold on or endure. Best used with friends.
A more formal option meaning 'Allow me a second'. Perfect for professional or service situations where you want to be extra polite.
Wait a moment, I'm looking for my keys.
—Can I ask you a question? —Of course, but give me just a sec.
One moment, please. I'm going to see if the doctor is available.
Hold on a bit, the movie is about to start.
'Espera un momento' and 'Un momento, por favor' are understood everywhere. They are the safest and most standard options.
It's very common to hear 'Aguanta tantito' or simply 'Tantito, por favor'. 'Tantito' is a colloquial diminutive for 'a little bit'.
Due to the use of 'vos', the command form changes to 'Esperá un momento'. You might also hear the very informal 'Bancá un toque'.
People frequently use the diminutive '-ico' instead of '-ito', so you'll hear 'Un momentico' instead of 'Un momentito'.
While 'Espera un momento' is used for singular 'you' (tú), the plural command is 'Esperad un momento' (for vosotros). 'Un segundo' ('a second') is also a very common and direct way to ask someone to wait.
Using 'esperar por' — English speakers often add 'for' ('por') after 'esperar', mirroring 'wait for'. However, in Spanish, 'esperar' does not need a preposition when followed by a noun or a period of time. Incorrect: 'Espera por un momento'. Correct: 'Espera un momento'.
Using the infinitive 'esperar' — When giving a command, you must conjugate the verb. Simply using the infinitive 'Esperar un momento' is grammatically incorrect, although a native speaker might understand you. Incorrect: 'Esperar un momento'. Correct: 'Espera un momento' (for tú) or 'Espere un momento' (for usted).
Confusing 'momento' with 'tiempo' — 'Tiempo' means 'time' in a general sense (e.g., 'No tengo tiempo' - I don't have time). 'Momento' is a specific, short 'moment'. Asking someone to 'Espera un tiempo' means 'Wait for a while', not 'Wait a moment'. Incorrect: 'Espera un tiempo'. Correct: 'Espera un momento'.
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