In Spanish, the phrase “El que espera, desespera” offers a catchy yet profound message that often resonates in situations involving patience or uncertainty. Let’s dive into what this phrase means, its possible translations in English, and how to use it effectively in everyday situations.
Meaning and Translation
Literally translated, “El que espera, desespera” means “He who waits, despairs.” However, it also carries the idea that “Waiting breeds frustration” or “Waiting makes one anxious.” The key to understanding this refrán lies in the dual meaning of esperar, which can mean both to wait and to hope in Spanish.
Because of this, “El que espera, desespera” can imply both a passive, frustrating wait (waiting without action) and an active hope (wanting something to happen but feeling anxious about it). This duality enriches the meaning, making it relatable to various situations.
In English, we might convey a similar sentiment with phrases like:
- “A watched pot never boils.”
- “Patience wears thin over time.”
- “Waiting is the hardest part.”
Examples of When to Use It
1. Waiting for News Imagine someone anxiously waiting for the results of an exam or job interview. They’re checking their emails constantly, growing more nervous by the minute. In this situation, you could say:
- “Ya sabes, el que espera, desespera.”
(You know, waiting only makes you anxious.)
2. A Long-Awaited Response Sometimes, people might delay responding to an important text or message, leaving the other person increasingly frustrated. To calm them down or sympathize, you might say:
- “Tómalo con calma; el que espera, desespera.”
(Take it easy; waiting makes people anxious.)
3. The Waiting Game in Relationships In relationships, people sometimes wait for others to make decisions, such as planning a commitment or even just making weekend plans. Here, “El que espera, desespera” captures that feeling of waiting with both hope and frustration:
- “Llevo meses esperando a que se decida, y, bueno, el que espera, desespera.”
(I’ve been waiting months for them to make a decision, and, well, waiting just makes you anxious.)
Breaking Down the Phrase
Understanding that esperar can mean either to wait or to hope adds richness to the interpretation of this refrán. When used in everyday conversations, the phrase can relate to either type of waiting: waiting without any sign of progress or hoping for something but growing impatient. Both aspects remind us that prolonged waiting can lead to unease or frustration.
“El que espera, desespera” is a versatile Spanish refrán with layers of meaning due to the dual use of esperar. Whether you’re waiting for news or holding out hope for a specific outcome, this phrase acknowledges the frustration that often accompanies waiting. So next time you’re in a situation where patience is wearing thin, remember this saying—it perfectly captures the challenge of waiting and hoping.
