Using 'Pasé' vs. 'Estaba pasando'

'Pasé' uses the Spanish simple past tense (the preterite), which means the action (passing) was completed and finished at a specific point in the past.

Past Action: The Preterite

When talking about going *by* or *through* a place, you almost always need the preposition 'por': 'Pasé *por* la tienda' (I passed by the store).

Using 'Por'

Extremely common, used primarily to mean movement or transition in the past.

When talking about time, 'pasé' works just like 'spent' in English: 'Pasé [time duration] [activity]'. The activity is usually expressed using the 'gerund' (-ando/-iendo form).

Time Expression Placement

While 'pasé' means 'I spent time,' use 'gasté' (I spent) when referring to money. 'Pasé' is only for time.

Don't Confuse with Dinero

Commonly used to describe how a period of time was experienced or occupied.

Unlike the other meanings of 'pasar,' when referring to success on an exam, you use 'pasar' directly with the object, like 'pasé el examen'.

Passing the Test

Commonly used in academic or regulatory contexts to refer to success in a test or stage.

'Pasé' is the 'yo' (I) preterite form of the common Spanish verb 'pasar.' It translates to 'I passed (by),' 'I spent (time),' or 'I passed (an exam). Learn full conjugations and usage tips.

pasé

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations