In French, attendre and espérer express two different types of anticipation: waiting and hoping. Understanding their distinct meanings, correct usage, and typical contexts will help you communicate expectations more precisely.
- attendre: to wait for, to expect something/take note of when something will happen
- espérer: to hope for, to expect (in the sense of wishing for a positive outcome)
| attendre | espérer | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To wait (for), to expect | To hope (for), to wish |
| Usage | Waiting for something/someone | Hoping for something (desire) |
| Subject | Can be used with people, things | Used mainly for events/outcomes |
| Typical Obj | Direct object after subject | Often followed by verb in future |
Yes, 'attendre' is used to wait for both people and things.
'espérer' means 'to hope.'
Attendre: to wait (for), to expect
attendre focuses on the act of waiting—being patient until something or someone arrives or happens.
- Requires a direct object: nous attendons le bus (we wait for the bus)
- Commonly used for people or things you are expecting
- Can express both physical waiting and a form of expectation
Conjugation (Present Indicative)
| Subject | attendre | espérer |
|---|---|---|
| Je | attends | espère |
| Tu | attends | espères |
| Il/Elle | attend | espère |
| Nous | attendons | espérons |
| Vous | attendez | espérez |
| Ils/Elles | attendent | espèrent |
Example Sentences for attendre
- J’attends mon ami à la gare.
I am waiting for my friend at the station.
- Attends une minute !
Wait a minute!
- Nous attendons des nouvelles importantes.
We are waiting for important news.
- Ils attendent le début du spectacle.
They are waiting for the start of the show.
'attendre' can be used for things like news: 'Nous attendons des nouvelles.'
The direct object is 'mon ami' (the person being waited for).
Espérer: to hope (for), to expect (in a positive sense)
espérer conveys a sense of hope or desire for something good to happen. It’s often more emotional than attendre.
- Used when you wish for or expect a positive outcome
- Commonly followed by a verb in the future tense: J’espère réussir (I hope to succeed)
- Can be used with things, events, or outcomes—not typically with people as objects
Example Sentences for espérer
- J’espère que tu vas bien.
I hope that you are well.
- Nous espérons partir en vacances cet été.
We hope to go on vacation this summer.
- Espèrent-ils une augmentation ?
Are they hoping for a raise?
- Elle espère réussir son examen.
She hopes to pass her exam.
'Espérer' is correct for hopes like 'J’espère que tu vas bien.'
'espérer' is used for hopes and sometimes positive expectations.
The future tense is commonly used (e.g., 'J’espère réussir').
Conclusion
attendre and espérer express different nuances of anticipation in French. attendre is for waiting or expecting something tangible or scheduled, while espérer is for hoping or wishing for a positive outcome.
- Use attendre for waiting for people/things/events (real or expected arrival).
- Use espérer to express hope or positive expectations, often for the future.
- This distinction helps express your feelings about the present and future more accurately.