Esperar vs. Aguardar: How to Say ‘Wait’ in Portuguese
Esperar is the everyday default for ‘wait’; aguardar often sounds more formal, especially in instructions and service settings.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Esperar means to wait or expect. In daily conversation, esperar alguém means wait for someone, while esperar por uma resposta means wait for a reply. The verb can also mean hope or expect, so context matters.
Use esperar in everyday conversation
With a hope about the future, esperar que commonly takes the subjunctive in careful Portuguese: espero que você venha (I hope you come). Learn the whole pattern instead of assigning the verb one English translation.
Estou esperando o ônibus.
I’m waiting for the bus.
Vamos esperar por uma mesa perto da janela.
Let’s wait for a table near the window.
Espero que você tenha uma boa viagem.
I hope you have a good trip.
Use aguardar in a more formal or service-oriented tone
Aguardar also means wait, but it often sounds more formal, procedural, or polished. You may hear it in announcements, customer service, and instructions: aguarde um momento (please wait a moment).
The verbs overlap. In a relaxed conversation with a friend, esperar is usually the natural default; in a notice or service interaction, aguardar may fit the tone.
Por favor, aguarde na linha.
Please stay on the line.
Estamos aguardando a confirmação.
We are waiting for confirmation.
Pode esperar aqui enquanto eu verifico.
You can wait here while I check.
Put it into practice
Esperar is the everyday verb for waiting and can also mean expect or hope. Aguardar means wait too, and often sounds more formal or service-oriented.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’m waiting for the bus”?
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