pasen
/PAH-sen/
come in
Depicting the formal command, 'Come in.'
pasen(verb)
come in
?as a formal command to a group
,enter
?as a formal command to a group
step inside
?invitation
📝 In Action
Pasen, por favor. Estamos listos para empezar la reunión.
A1Come in, please. We are ready to start the meeting.
¡Pasen! No se queden en la puerta.
A2Enter! Don't stay in the doorway.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Group Command
This form, 'pasen,' is used when you are giving a command to a group of people you address formally (ustedes). It is polite and respectful.
The 'AR' Rule
For commands to formal groups ('ustedes'), Spanish uses the verb form that ends in '-en' (for 'ar' verbs like pasar).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Formal and Informal
Mistake: "Using 'pasáis' when speaking to a formal group of adults."
Correction: Use 'Pasen' (formal group command) for respect. 'Pasáis' is only used in Spain for informal groups ('vosotros').
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Add 'Por Favor'
When using 'Pasen' as an invitation, adding 'por favor' (please) makes it sound much warmer and more natural.
Illustrating the expression of desire or uncertainty, 'that they pass/happen.'
pasen(verb)
that they pass/happen
?expressing desire or uncertainty
,that you (pl. formal) spend
?referring to time, e.g., a weekend
that they go through
?referring to an experience or location
📝 In Action
Quiero que pasen este examen sin problemas.
B1I want them/you (formal) to pass this exam without problems.
Espero que pasen unas vacaciones estupendas.
B2I hope you (formal group) spend/have a wonderful vacation.
Dudo que pasen por el centro de la ciudad.
B2I doubt that they are passing through the city center.
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Trigger
This form ('pasen') is the special verb ending used when the main part of the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, emotion, or command concerning a different group of people (ellos/ustedes).
Connecting Clauses
You almost always find a 'que' (that) before 'pasen' when it's used in this way, linking the main desire to the action: 'Deseo que [ellos] pasen...'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Indicative
Mistake: "Using the normal form: 'Espero que pasan un buen día.'"
Correction: After verbs like 'esperar' (to hope), you must use the special form: 'Espero que pasen un buen día.' (I hope they have a good day.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Meaning of 'Pasar'
When used with time (vacations, weekends), 'pasar' means 'to spend' time, not just 'to pass' time.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pasen
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'pasen' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am speaking informally to my friends, should I still say 'Pasen'?
No. 'Pasen' is the formal plural command (for 'ustedes'). If you are speaking informally to a group of friends, you should use the informal plural command (used mainly in Spain), which is '¡Pasad!' (or 'Pásenle' in some parts of Latin America).
How does 'pasen' relate to the word 'paso'?
'Paso' means 'a step' or 'a pass.' 'Pasen' is a form of the verb 'pasar,' which means 'to take a step' or 'to pass through.' They share the same root related to movement.