pasando
“pasando” means “passing” in Spanish (moving by or through a place).
passing, happening
Also: spending (time), handing over, going through
📝 In Action
¿Qué está pasando aquí?
A1What is happening here?
Estaba pasando por tu calle cuando te vi.
A2I was passing by your street when I saw you.
Lo estamos pasando muy bien en las vacaciones.
B1We are having a very good time on vacation.
Mi hermana me está pasando la sal.
A2My sister is passing me the salt.
Ella está pasando por un momento difícil.
B1She is going through a difficult time.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pasando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'We are having a great time'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Pasando' comes from the verb 'pasar', which traces back to the Latin word 'passāre', meaning 'to step' or 'to walk'. The '-ando' ending is the standard way Spanish forms the present participle (the '-ing' form) for verbs that end in '-ar'.
First recorded: The root verb 'pasar' appeared in Old Spanish texts around the 10th century.
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between '¿Qué pasa?' and '¿Qué está pasando?'
They are similar, but with a slight difference. '¿Qué pasa?' is a general 'What's up?' or 'What's the matter?'. '¿Qué está pasando?' focuses on what is happening *right now* and often shows more surprise or concern about an ongoing event.
Can I use 'pasando' by itself without 'estar'?
Yes, sometimes. You might see it in short answers or to describe two actions happening at once. For example, 'Caminaba por la calle, pasando por tiendas' (I was walking down the street, passing by shops). However, for beginners, it's best to stick to using it with 'estar' to mean an action is in progress.