pasan
/PAH-sahn/
pass
Pasan (They pass) - The figures go by the tree.
pasan(Verb)
pass
?to go by or through
,go through
?to move across a space
go past
?walk by someone or something
📝 In Action
Ellos pasan por la puerta sin mirar.
A1They pass through the door without looking.
Los días pasan muy rápido cuando estamos ocupados.
A2The days pass very quickly when we are busy.
Ustedes pasan la frontera esta noche.
B1You all cross the border tonight.
💡 Grammar Points
Identifying the Speaker
'Pasan' is used when talking about 'ellos' (they, masculine or mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all/y'all).
⭐ Usage Tips
Directional Use
When describing movement, 'pasar' often requires a preposition like 'por' (through/by) or 'a' (to) to specify the destination or route.
Pasan (They happen) - The surprise events occur.
📝 In Action
En las películas, siempre pasan cosas inesperadas.
A2In the movies, unexpected things always happen.
Dicen que estas cosas solo pasan en la televisión.
B1They say these things only happen on television.
💡 Grammar Points
Impersonal Use
When 'pasan' means 'happen,' the subject is usually an impersonal noun like 'cosas' (things) or 'eventos' (events).
Pasan (They spend) - They spend the time relaxing until sunset.
📝 In Action
Mis padres pasan los inviernos en Florida.
B1My parents spend the winters in Florida.
Ellas pasan horas charlando en la cafetería.
B1They spend hours chatting in the cafeteria.
💡 Grammar Points
Spending Time vs. Money
Remember that Spanish uses 'pasar' only for spending time. When talking about spending money, you must use the verb 'gastar'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Gastar' for Time
Mistake: "Ellos gastan el fin de semana juntos."
Correction: Ellos pasan el fin de semana juntos. ('Gastar' means to waste or spend money.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pasan
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'pasan' is used in the sentence: 'Mis hijos pasan mucho tiempo jugando en el parque.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pasan' and 'pasa'?
'Pasan' means 'they pass/happen/spend' (plural subject, referring to two or more people/things). 'Pasa' means 'he/she/it passes/happens/spends' (singular subject). 'Pasa' is also the singular form used when asking 'What's happening?' (¿Qué pasa?).
How do I know if 'pasan' means 'pass' or 'spend time'?
Look at the word that follows. If it is a time expression (horas, años, el verano), it means 'to spend time.' If it is a place or object (la calle, la pelota), it means 'to pass through or hand over.'