Meaning
Used to ask someone to pause briefly.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'un momento' is often used as a way to politely interrupt someone who is speaking too fast. It is not considered rude, but rather a sign that you are engaged and want to understand. Mexicans frequently use the diminutive 'un momentito' or even 'un momentititito' to sound extra polite and to signal that the wait will be very short (even if it isn't!). In Argentina, you might hear 'Báncame un toque' in very informal settings. It carries the same meaning as 'espera un momento' but is much more slang-heavy. Colombians are known for their high level of formal politeness. Even in casual settings, you might hear 'Regáleme un momento', which literally means 'Gift me a moment'.
The 'Momentito' Magic
If you feel like you're being a nuisance by making someone wait, use 'momentito'. It instantly makes you sound more like a native and much more polite.
Watch the 'r'
Don't roll the 'r' in 'espera' like a double 'rr'. It's a soft, single tap. Rolling it too hard can make the word sound strange to native ears.
Meaning
Used to ask someone to pause briefly.
The 'Momentito' Magic
If you feel like you're being a nuisance by making someone wait, use 'momentito'. It instantly makes you sound more like a native and much more polite.
Watch the 'r'
Don't roll the 'r' in 'espera' like a double 'rr'. It's a soft, single tap. Rolling it too hard can make the word sound strange to native ears.
Eye Contact
In many Spanish-speaking countries, it's polite to make brief eye contact or use a small hand gesture when saying this, so the person knows you've acknowledged them.
Use with 'que'
You can add 'que' to explain why you are waiting: 'Espera un momento que voy por mi bolso'.
Test Yourself
You are talking to your grandmother. Which is the most appropriate way to ask her to wait?
Abuela, ________ un momento, por favor.
You use 'Espere' (formal) with grandparents to show respect in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Complete the phrase to ask a friend to wait for a second.
Espera un ________, por favor.
'Segundo' is the most natural fit for a very short wait.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Match '¡Esperen un momento!'
'Esperen' is the plural command used for more than one person.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: ¿Tienes mi libro? B: ________, voy a buscarlo en mi mochila.
This is the logical response when you need to perform a quick task before answering.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Variations of Time
Shortest
- • Un segundo
- • Un momentito
Standard
- • Un momento
- • Un rato
Longer
- • Unos minutos
- • Un tiempo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAbuela, ________ un momento, por favor.
You use 'Espere' (formal) with grandparents to show respect in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Espera un ________, por favor.
'Segundo' is the most natural fit for a very short wait.
Match '¡Esperen un momento!'
'Esperen' is the plural command used for more than one person.
A: ¿Tienes mi libro? B: ________, voy a buscarlo en mi mochila.
This is the logical response when you need to perform a quick task before answering.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, as long as you use a friendly tone and add 'por favor'. In formal settings, use 'Espere' instead.
They are interchangeable, but 'un segundo' sounds slightly faster/more urgent.
Yes! Dropping the verb is very common and perfectly polite in shops and restaurants.
Use 'Espérame un momento'. The 'me' at the end means 'for me'.
Don't use 'un momento'. Say 'Dame cinco minutos' (Give me five minutes) or 'Esto va a tardar un poco' (This will take a bit).
No, it's used everywhere, but it's particularly frequent in Mexico and the Caribbean.
'Espérate' is the reflexive form. It's slightly more informal and common in casual conversation.
It's better to use 'Le ruego que espere' or 'Agradezco su paciencia' in formal emails.
If you are talking to a group, say 'Esperen un momento'.
No, it also means 'to hope'. Context tells you which one it is!
Related Phrases
Espera un segundo
synonymWait a second
Dame un momento
similarGive me a moment
Un momento, por favor
specialized formOne moment, please
¡Para!
contrastStop!
Aguarda un instante
formalWait an instant
