Espere

You use it just like 'wait' in English. You can use it alone as a command. You can also add words to make it softer. If you are in a rush, you might say it twice. In a restaurant, you use it to stop a waiter. When texting, it is a quick way to say you are busy. It is one of the first words you will actually use in Brazil or Portugal.

Use it when you need a moment to think. Use it if someone is walking too fast. It is perfect when your phone rings during a conversation. Use it at the bank while looking for your ID. If you are cooking and the water boils over, yell it to your guest. It works in almost every daily scenario where time is a factor.

Do not use it with a harsh tone with elders. It can sound like an order if you are not careful. Avoid using it in very formal ceremonies like a wedding toast. If you are talking to a boss, um momento is often safer. Do not use it if you want to sound super relaxed with best friends. In that case, use the slang versions instead. It is not for 'waiting' in the sense of 'expecting' a baby.

Portuguese speakers value social interaction but life can be chaotic. Espere is the verbal anchor in that chaos. In Brazil, people are generally patient, but they appreciate the heads-up. There is a famous saying: 'Quem espera sempre alcança'. It means 'those who wait always achieve'. Waiting is seen as a virtue, not just a nuisance. This word carries that weight of patient persistence.

You will often hear espera in casual settings. In Portugal, they might use espere lá to sound more emphatic. Brazilians love to add um pouquinho (a little bit) to soften it. You might hear peraí, which is a smashed-together version of espera aí. It is the ultimate 'hang on' for friends. If you want to be very fancy, use aguarde instead.