Inklingo
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pasada

/pah-SAH-dah/

passing

A colorful illustration showing a simplified person running quickly past a stationary green tree, depicting movement.

Illustrating 'pasada' as the act of passing or movement of going by.

pasada(noun)

fA2

passing

?

movement of going by

,

brief visit

?

a quick stop

Also:

quick review

?

looking over something quickly

,

turn

?

in games or tasks

📝 In Action

Solo dimos una pasada por la tienda porque no teníamos tiempo.

A2

We only made a quick stop by the store because we didn't have time.

Le di una rápida pasada a mi discurso antes de subir al escenario.

B1

I gave my speech a quick run-through before going on stage.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • dar una pasada – to have a quick look/go
  • pasar de pasada – to pass by quickly

💡 Grammar Points

Verb-Noun Pairing

This noun is almost always used with the verb 'dar' (to give) or 'hacer' (to make) when referring to a quick action: 'dar una pasada' (to give a quick look/go).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Paso' Instead

Mistake: "Hice un paso al texto."

Correction: Hice una pasada al texto. ('Paso' means 'step' or 'pace'; 'pasada' means 'a quick look over' or 'a turn').

⭐ Usage Tips

Quick Review

Think of 'una pasada' as a single, swift motion. It emphasizes speed and superficiality, making it perfect for describing quick checks or short visits.

A close-up illustration of a hand holding a wide paintbrush applying a single, thick blue layer of paint onto a flat wooden surface.

Illustrating 'pasada' as a coat or layer of paint/varnish.

pasada(noun)

fB1

coat

?

layer of paint or varnish

,

stroke

?

single movement of a brush or tool

Also:

application

?

makeup, polish

📝 In Action

Esta pared necesita una segunda pasada de pintura blanca.

B1

This wall needs a second coat of white paint.

Con una pasada de la plancha, la camisa quedó perfecta.

B1

With one stroke of the iron, the shirt was perfect.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • capa (layer)
  • mano (hand/coat (of paint))

Common Collocations

  • dar una pasada con la brocha – to make a stroke with the brush

💡 Grammar Points

Counting Layers

When talking about layers, use ordinal numbers (primera, segunda) or cardinal numbers (una, dos, tres) before 'pasada': 'la tercera pasada de barniz' (the third coat of varnish).

⭐ Usage Tips

Visualizing the Action

This meaning emphasizes the action of sweeping a tool (brush, vacuum, iron) over a surface once. The result is the 'coat' or 'layer'.

A simple illustration of a gigantic, brilliant firework exploding with vibrant colors against a dark background, conveying amazement.

Illustrating 'pasada' as an amazing thing or something impressive.

pasada(noun)

fB2

amazing thing

?

something impressive

,

outrage

?

excessive, shocking act (often negative)

Also:

mess

?

chaos or scandalous event

📝 In Action

¡Qué pasada de moto! ¿De dónde la has sacado?

B2

What an amazing motorcyle! Where did you get it?

Hacerles eso fue una pasada, no había necesidad.

C1

Doing that to them was an outrage/excessive, there was no need.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • barbaridad (absurdity, great amount)
  • maravilla (marvel)

Idioms & Expressions

  • ¡Qué pasada! – How cool/amazing!

💡 Grammar Points

Expressing Awe

When used with '¡Qué...!' (What a...!), 'pasada' means something is extremely impressive, cool, or overwhelming. It’s an easy way to sound native when expressing enthusiasm.

⭐ Usage Tips

Tone Matters

While often positive, 'una pasada' can also describe something shocking or excessive. The context and your tone will make it clear if you mean 'awesome' or 'outrageous'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: pasada

Question 1 of 2

Which English translation best fits 'Le dio una pasada al informe'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'pasada' the same as 'pasado'?

No. 'Pasada' is the feminine form used primarily as a noun meaning a movement or a coat/layer. 'Pasado' is the masculine form, most commonly used as an adjective or noun to mean 'the past' or 'bygone'.

How do I know if 'pasada' refers to something good or bad?

If it is used in the exclamation '¡Qué pasada!', it is usually positive ('amazing'). If it is used after 'hacer una' (hacer una pasada), it often means the action was excessive or offensive ('an outrage'). The context and the speaker's tone are key.