Portuguese Phrase
Como lidar com a espera?
Meaning
The sentence asks for advice or strategies on how to cope with a period of waiting. It can refer to waiting in a line, waiting for news, or any situation where time feels prolonged.
When to use
Use this phrase when you feel impatient and want to discuss coping mechanisms, whether you’re stuck in a long queue, waiting for test results, or simply dealing with a delay in daily life.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comolidarcomaespera?
Como (question word)
Used to ask 'how' something is done; it introduces a question about manner or method.
Lidar (verb)
Means 'to deal with' or 'to handle'. It is an infinitive that often requires the preposition 'com' to indicate the object.
Com (preposition)
Pairs with 'lidar' to form the fixed expression 'lidar com', meaning 'to deal with'.
A espera (noun phrase)
The noun 'espera' (waiting) preceded by the definite article 'a', turning it into 'the waiting' or 'the wait'.
🗨In Conversation
Como lidar com a espera?
How do you deal with waiting?
Eu costumo ler um livro ou ouvir música para distrair a mente.
I usually read a book or listen to music to distract my mind.
✕Common Mistakes
Como lidar a espera?
The verb 'lidar' always pairs with the preposition 'com', not 'a'.
Como lidar com espera?
When referring to a specific waiting period, use the article 'a' before 'espera'.
Como lida com a espera?
The verb must stay in infinitive form after 'como' to ask for a method.
↔Alternatives
Como enfrentar a espera?
How to face the wait?
Como suportar a espera?
How to endure the wait?
O que fazer enquanto se espera?
What to do while waiting?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, patience is often tested by long lines (filas) and bureaucratic delays. It’s common to bring a book, a snack, or a mobile device to pass the time. Using humor or a friendly chat with the person next to you can also make the wait feel shorter. Avoid showing overt frustration, as it may be seen as impolite.