pasan
“pasan” means “pass” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
pass, go through
Also: go past
📝 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.
happen
Also: go on
📝 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.
spend
Also: hang out
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Vulgar Latin word *passare*, meaning 'to step' or 'to walk.' This root is also the origin of the English word 'pass'.
First recorded: Around the 10th century in early Spanish texts.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'