aspettare
/as.petˈta.re/
Definition
To wait for someone or something, or to expect that something will happen.
Example
Ti aspetto davanti al bar alle tre.
Show translation
I'll wait for you in front of the café at three.
Etymology
From Latin *exspectāre* ("to look out for, await"), composed of *ex-* (out) + *spectāre* (to look at, watch) — itself from *specere* (to see). The same root gives English "expect" and "spectator," making the family connection easy to spot.
Cultural note
In Italy, *aspettare* does a job that English splits between two verbs: "to wait" and "to expect." *Aspetto un bambino*, for instance, means "I'm expecting a baby." Be careful not to confuse it with Spanish *esperar*, which also covers "to hope" — Italian uses *sperare* for that third meaning.