The Subjunctive Mood of Esperar is used to express wishes, desires, or uncertainty about an action or event happening. For example, Espero que llegues a tiempo. (I hope you arrive on time.)

Esperar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the Present Subjunctive follow the regular pattern by dropping the -ar ending and adding the corresponding subjunctive endings.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Esperar (to wait) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Latin American Spanish):

The present subjunctive of esperar is used to express wishes, desires, doubts, or uncertainty about an action or event in the present or future.

To express a wish or desire: For example, Espero que tengas un buen día. (I hope you have a good day.)

To express doubt or uncertainty: For example, No creo que esperen mucho tiempo. (I don’t think they’ll wait very long.)

To express an impersonal opinion: For example, Es mejor que esperes tu turno. (It’s better if you wait your turn.)

To give advice or make a suggestion: For example, Espera un poco antes de tomar una decisión. (Wait a bit before making a decision.)

Idiomatic usage: Esperar a ver means “to wait and see” or “to see what happens.” For example, Vamos a esperar a ver qué pasa. (Let’s wait and see what happens.)

Colloquial usage: Esperar pararse means “to wait in line” or “to queue up.” For example, Tuvimos que esperar pararnos por horas. (We had to wait in line for hours.)

Examples

Examples of Esperar in the Subjunctive Mood

Cuando viajes a un nuevo país, espera que las costumbres sean diferentes. (When traveling to a new country, expect customs to be different.)

En la fiesta, esperemos que todos se diviertan. (At the party, let’s hope everyone has fun.)

Aunque la situación sea difícil, esperen que todo saldrá bien. (Although the situation is difficult, hope that everything will turn out well.)

Si quieres avanzar en tu carrera, espera trabajar duro. (If you want to advance in your career, expect to work hard.)

Mamá, espero que me traigas un regalo de tu viaje. (Mom, I hope you bring me a gift from your trip.)

En la reunión familiar, esperemos que todos se lleven bien. (At the family gathering, let’s hope everyone gets along.)

Aunque el tráfico esté pesado, esperen llegar a tiempo. (Although traffic is heavy, hope to arrive on time.)

Si quieres aprobar el examen, espera estudiar mucho. (If you want to pass the exam, expect to study a lot.)

Amigo, espero que consigas el trabajo que tanto quieres. (Friend, I hope you get the job you want so much.)

En la boda, esperemos que la pareja sea muy feliz. (At the wedding, let’s hope the couple is very happy.)

Aunque la película sea aburrida, esperen disfrutarla de todos modos. (Although the movie is boring, hope to enjoy it anyway.)

Si quieres mejorar tu español, espera practicar todos los días. (If you want to improve your Spanish, expect to practice every day.)

Amiga, espero que te vaya bien en tu nuevo trabajo. (Friend, I hope you do well in your new job.)

En el concierto, esperemos que el artista cante todas sus canciones populares. (At the concert, let’s hope the artist sings all their popular songs.)

Aunque el camino sea largo, esperen llegar a su destino con seguridad. (Although the road is long, hope to arrive at your destination safely.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Esperar (to wait) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.