A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Please wait a moment" in Spanish
Politely ask someone to wait briefly in Spanish with this essential phrase. Perfect for everyday interactions.
Un momento, por favor.
oo-n moh-MEN-toh, por fah-VORneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need someone to pause for a short period, like while you find your keys, finish a sentence, or get a document. It's a polite way to ask for a brief delay.
Alternatives
- Espera un momento.More casual, use with friends or people you know well.
- Espere un momento.More formal, use with elders or in very official settings.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'momento' with 'money'
'Momento' means 'moment' or 'instant,' not money.
Dropping 'por favor'
While understood, adding 'por favor' makes it polite and less demanding.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a 'moment' can sometimes be a bit more flexible than in English-speaking cultures, but this phrase is still the standard polite request.
Frequently asked
How do I say wait a minute in Spanish?
You can say 'Un momento, por favor.' This is the most common and neutral way to ask someone to wait briefly.
Is 'Un momento, por favor' formal or informal?
It's considered neutral and works in most situations. For more casual settings with friends, you might just say 'Espera un momento.'
What if I need them to wait longer?
For a longer wait, you might say 'Espere un poco más, por favor' (Wait a little longer, please) or explain the situation.
