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Hoping in Spanish
There is a wonderful Buddy Holly Song “Crying, Waiting, Hoping.” But in Spanish it might translate as “Crying, Waiting, Waiting” because I learned yesterday that the word Esperar means both “to hope” and “to wait” in Spanish.
Now while there are some usage techniques in Spanish to help distinguish between the two, the philosopher in me is struck by the fact that to wait is by definition to hope, given the uncertainties and vicissitudes of life. Anyone who’s ever gone on a date and arrived first knows how keenly waiting can feel like hoping and then despair if you are stood up.
To my readers, do you think there’s a difference between waiting and hoping? Learning any new languages? Ever been stood up? Please post in the comments.
