Aspettare is a common Italian verb that means 'to wait.' It's a regular verb ending in -are, so its conjugations follow a predictable pattern. You will use it frequently in everyday conversation, just like in English. For example, if you are at a train station, you might say, 'Aspetto il treno' (I wait for the train) or 'Aspetti un momento, per favore' (Wait a moment, please). It can also mean 'to expect,' depending on the context, but 'to wait' is its most common usage.
Aspettare is a common Italian verb that means 'to wait'. It's a regular verb ending in -are, so its conjugations follow a predictable pattern. You'll use it in everyday situations, like waiting for a bus or waiting for a friend. Remember that in Italian, you don't need a preposition after 'aspettare' when you're waiting for someone or something; you just say 'aspetto te' (I wait for you) or 'aspetto l'autobus' (I wait for the bus).
§ Forgetting the preposition "per" (for)
A very common mistake English speakers make is forgetting to include the preposition "per" (for) when they mean "to wait for something/someone." In English, we always say "wait for." In Italian, you often need "aspettare per." However, and this is important, sometimes you don't use "per." Let's break it down.
Aspetto per il treno. (I wait for the train.)
Aspetto per te. (I wait for you.)
However, when the verb "aspettare" means "to await" or "to expect," especially in a more general sense or when talking about an outcome, the preposition "per" is often omitted.
Aspetto la primavera. (I await / expect spring.)
Aspetto notizie. (I await / expect news.)
§ Confusing "aspettare" with "attendere"
While both verbs can translate to "to wait," "attendere" is more formal and less common in everyday spoken Italian. "Aspettare" is your go-to verb for most situations.
- DEFINITION
- Aspettare: The standard verb for 'to wait'.
- DEFINITION
- Attendere: More formal, often used in official contexts or for a longer, more patient wait.
Devo aspettare l'autobus. (I have to wait for the bus.)
Si prega di attendere il proprio turno. (Please wait for your turn. - *often seen in official signs*)
§ Incorrect verb conjugation
"Aspettare" is a regular -ARE verb, so its conjugations follow a predictable pattern. Don't let common irregular verbs confuse you. Master the regular conjugations first!
- io aspetto (I wait)
- tu aspetti (you wait - singular informal)
- lui/lei aspetta (he/she waits)
- noi aspettiamo (we wait)
- voi aspettate (you wait - plural informal/formal)
- loro aspettano (they wait)
Make sure you are using the correct ending for the subject you are referring to. This is fundamental for clear communication.
Noi aspettiamo qui. (We wait here.)
Lui aspetta fuori. (He waits outside.)
Curiosidade
The 's' in 'exspectare' was often dropped in Vulgar Latin, leading to 'expectare' and eventually 'aspettare'.
Frequentemente confundido com
More formal, often implies a longer or more deliberate wait, or waiting for a specific event.
To hope, not to wait.
To expect, not to wait.
Fácil de confundir
'Attendere' can mean 'to wait' in some contexts, but it's often more formal or implies a longer, more passive wait.
While 'aspettare' is the general verb for 'to wait,' 'attendere' might be used for waiting for a specific event or a prolonged period, like 'attendere il treno' (to wait for the train) if the train is delayed.
Ho atteso per ore alla stazione. (I waited for hours at the station.)
This verb means 'to hope,' but learners might confuse it with 'to wait' if they think of 'waiting hopefully.'
'Aspettare' is about the physical act of waiting. 'Sperare' is about a desire for something to happen.
Spero che tu stia bene. (I hope that you are well.)
Since 'guardare' means 'to look at' or 'to watch,' some might incorrectly use it when they mean 'to wait' for someone or something to appear.
'Aspettare' implies patience and the passage of time until an event. 'Guardare' is about visual observation.
Guardo la televisione. (I'm watching television.)
'Rimanere' means 'to stay' or 'to remain,' which can sometimes be linked to waiting in a specific location.
'Aspettare' emphasizes the act of waiting for something or someone. 'Rimanere' emphasizes the act of staying in a place.
Sono rimasto a casa. (I stayed at home.)
This is the reflexive form of 'aspettare' and means 'to expect,' which is different from simply 'to wait.'
'Aspettare' (transitive) means 'to wait for (someone/something)'. 'Aspettarsi' (reflexive) means 'to expect (something to happen)'.
Mi aspetto che arrivi presto. (I expect that he arrives soon.)
Origem da palavra
From Latin 'exspectare'
Significado original: to look out for, await
Indo-European (Italic)Contexto cultural
When in Italy, you'll often hear 'Aspetta!' or 'Aspetti!' (formal) if someone wants you to hold on for a moment. It's a very common and direct way to ask someone to pause. It can also be used to mean 'to expect' something, similar to its English cognate.
Teste-se 6 perguntas
You are at a cafe and your friend is late. Write a simple sentence in Italian saying you are waiting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Aspetto il mio amico.
Your train is delayed. Write a sentence in Italian saying, 'I need to wait for the train.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Devo aspettare il treno.
Write a short sentence in Italian telling someone to wait for you.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Aspettami!
Cosa aspetta Maria?
Read this passage:
Maria aspetta l'autobus. L'autobus è in ritardo. Maria è un po' stanca ma deve aspettare.
Cosa aspetta Maria?
The passage states 'Maria aspetta l'autobus.' (Maria waits for the bus.)
The passage states 'Maria aspetta l'autobus.' (Maria waits for the bus.)
Cosa aspetta Giovanni?
Read this passage:
Giovanni è al ristorante. Aspetta la sua pizza. Il cameriere dice: 'Aspetti un momento, per favore.'
Cosa aspetta Giovanni?
The passage says 'Aspetta la sua pizza.' (He waits for his pizza.)
The passage says 'Aspetta la sua pizza.' (He waits for his pizza.)
Cosa chiede Paolo a Giulia?
Read this passage:
Paolo dice a Giulia: 'Aspettami qui, torno subito.' Giulia risponde: 'Va bene, aspetto.'
Cosa chiede Paolo a Giulia?
Paolo says 'Aspettami qui' which means 'Wait for me here'.
Paolo says 'Aspettami qui' which means 'Wait for me here'.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
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