I'm learning română

a aștepta — meaning in English: to wait

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to wait
metanoia
a aștepta
Merge
a interacționa
Violet
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Romanian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'a aștepta' in various scenarios, such as waiting for a bus at a station or waiting for a friend at a café. It is also common in more formal contexts, like waiting for an appointment or in a business setting when an outcome is pending.
Synonyms & nuances
'A aștepta' is closely related to 'a spera', which means 'to hope'. While 'a aștepta' emphasizes the act of waiting, 'a spera' infuses a sense of anticipation and desire for a positive outcome. Choose 'a aștepta' when focusing purely on the waiting process without the emotional baggage.
Culture
'A aștepta' comes from the Latin word 'exspectare', which means 'to look out for' or 'await'. The notion of waiting holds cultural significance in Romania, where punctuality can vary by region, often leading to humorous anecdotes about people's expectations of time management in social gatherings.
FAQ
Q.How do you use 'a aștepta' in a sentence?
'A aștepta' can be used in sentences like 'Aștept autobuzul' which means 'I am waiting for the bus'. It’s often followed by the object of what you are waiting for.
Q.What is the conjugation of 'a aștepta' in the present tense?
'A aștepta' is conjugated as 'aștept' (I wait), 'aștepți' (you wait), 'așteaptă' (he/she/it waits), and so forth. Remember, the endings change based on the subject of the sentence.
Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'a aștepta'?
A common mistake learners make is confusing 'a aștepta' with 'a spera'. While they can seem interchangeable, ensure you use 'a aștepta' strictly for waiting and not for expressing hope.
Learn romanian with Maspeak →
Romanian Vocabulary