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How to Say ‘I waited a while.’ in Mexican Spanish

Esperé un rato.

eh-speh-REH oon RAH-toh

[eh-speh-REH oon RAH-toh]

💬 Usage Tip: Useful for showing patience before reporting a problem.

🇲🇽 In Mexico: Showing that you didn’t complain instantly can come across as reasonable and considerate.

Phrase Breakdown

Esperé

[eh-speh-REH]

I waited

Indicates you waited in the past.

Example

Esperé para ver si el agua se calentaba.

I waited to see if the water would heat up.

un

[oon]

a

Indefinite article used with a masculine noun.

Example

Un técnico puede venir mañana.

A technician can come tomorrow.

rato

[RAH-toh]

a while

Means a short amount of time.

Example

Solo tardó un rato en enfriarse.

It only took a while to cool down.

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