Spanish Phrase
Espera unos minutos más, por favor.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite request to ask someone to wait for a short additional period. It directly translates to 'Wait a few minutes more, please,' and is commonly used in various everyday situations where a brief delay is necessary.
When to use
You can use this phrase when you need someone to hold on for a little longer, such as when you're almost ready to leave, waiting for a table at a restaurant, or expecting a call. It's a versatile way to politely ask for a brief extension of waiting time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esperaunosminutosmás,por favor
Espera (Imperative)
'Espera' is the informal (tú) imperative form of the verb 'esperar' (to wait). It's used to give a direct command or make a request to someone you address informally. For formal contexts, you would use 'Espere' (usted).
unos minutos
'Unos' is the masculine plural indefinite article, meaning 'a few' or 'some'. It precedes 'minutos' (minutes), indicating an unspecified but small quantity of time. This construction is common for expressing approximate durations.
más
'Más' means 'more'. In this context, it specifies that the waiting period should be extended by an additional amount of time. It's a common adverb used to indicate increase or addition.
por favor
'Por favor' translates to 'please' and is essential for making the request polite. Always include it when asking for something to soften the command and show respect.
🗨In Conversation
Ya estoy listo para irnos.
I'm ready to go now.
Espera unos minutos más, por favor. Solo necesito terminar esto.
Wait a few more minutes, please. I just need to finish this.
✕Common Mistakes
Espera por unos minutos más, por favor.
The verb 'esperar' (to wait) does not typically require the preposition 'por' when referring to waiting for a duration or for someone/something. It's directly transitive.
Esperas unos minutos más, por favor.
Using 'esperas' is the indicative form ('you wait'), not the imperative command form ('wait!'). For a direct command to 'you' (tú), use 'Espera'.
Espera unos minutos más.
While grammatically correct, omitting 'por favor' can sound abrupt or demanding, especially in situations where politeness is expected. Always add 'por favor' to soften the request.
↔Alternatives
Un momento, por favor.
One moment, please.
¿Podrías esperar un poco más?
Could you wait a little more?
Dame un minuto, por favor.
Give me a minute, please.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, politeness is highly valued. Always including 'por favor' (please) when making requests, even simple ones like asking someone to wait, is crucial. Omitting it can be perceived as rude or overly direct. The use of the informal 'tú' command 'Espera' is common among friends, family, or people of similar age/status, but for more formal contexts or with strangers, 'Espere' (usted form) or a more indirect question like '¿Podría esperar...?' would be more appropriate.