A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "One moment please" in Spanish
Politely ask for a brief pause or delay in Spanish with 'Un momento, por favor.'
Un momento, por favor.
oon moh-MEN-toh, por fah-VORneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need someone to wait for just a few seconds. For example, if you're looking for something, need to finish a thought, or want to interrupt briefly.
Alternatives
- Espera un segundo.Slightly more casual, often used with people you know.
- Dame un segundo.Very casual, best reserved for close friends or family.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't say 'un minuto'.
'Minuto' means a minute, which is much longer than 'un momento'.
Pronounce 'momento' correctly.
The stress is on the second syllable: moh-MEN-toh, not MO-men-toh.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a brief pause is quite acceptable, and this phrase shows you respect the other person's time.
Frequently asked
how to say hold on in spanish
The most common way to say 'hold on' is 'Un momento, por favor.' You can also use 'Espera un segundo' in more casual settings.
is un momento por favor formal
It's considered neutral, making it suitable for most interactions. You can use it with friends, colleagues, and even strangers.
what is the difference between un momento and un minuto
'Un momento' implies a very short pause, just a few seconds. 'Un minuto' refers to a full minute, which is a longer duration.
