🤔➕💭

How to Say ‘Hmm, I was expecting a bit more.’ in Mexican Spanish

Mmm, esperaba un poco más.

mmm es-peh-RAH-bah oon POH-koh mahs

[mmm es-peh-RAH-bah oon POH-koh mahs]

💬 Usage Tip: esperaba "I was expecting" sounds softer than espero "I expect". Talking about the past turns a demand into a gentle hint.

🇲🇽 In Mexico: Countering an offer is normal in Mexico, but people do it indirectly. A hedge like this keeps the conversation friendly.

Phrase Breakdown

Mmm, esperaba

mmm es-peh-RAH-bah

Hmm, I was expecting

'Mmm' is a polite hesitation. 'Esperaba' is the imperfect tense of 'esperar' (to expect). Stress 'RA': es-pe-RA-ba.

Example

Mmm, esperaba otra respuesta.

Hmm, I was expecting another answer.

Words in this phrase

Mmm

[mmm]

hmm

A sound of hesitation or thinking.

Example

Mmm, no sé qué pedir.

Hmm, I don't know what to order.

esperaba

[es-peh-RAH-bah]

I was expecting

Imperfect 'I' form of esperar (to expect, hope, wait).

Example

Esperaba una respuesta hoy.

I was expecting an answer today.

un poco más.

oon POH-koh mahs

a little more.

A soft, polite way to negotiate. Say it smoothly: un PO-co MAS.

Example

Necesito un poco más.

I need a little more.

Words in this phrase

[oon]

Part of un poco, a set phrase meaning a little.

Example

Con gusto te cuento Un poco de nuestra historia.

Gladly, I’ll tell you a little about our history.

poco

[POH-koh]

little / a bit

Used to indicate a small amount of information or time.

Example

Primero cuento un Poco sobre los valores de la empresa.

First I tell a little about the company's values.

más

[mahs]

Adverb or determiner meaning 'more'; used to increase quantity or degree.

Example

Quiero más retos en mi trabajo.

I want more challenges in my job.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Mexico City for work and needed to get conversational fast. Two weeks of daily practice and I was ordering tacos and negotiating with my landlord in Spanish.”

David K., 35, Startup Founder

“I spent a month backpacking through Colombia and this app was a lifesaver. The lessons meant I could handle real situations from day one.”

Rachel T., 26, Travel Blogger

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer