paseo
/pah-seh-oh/
walk
A recreational walk is one meaning of paseo.
📝 In Action
Dimos un largo paseo por el parque después de cenar.
A1We took a long walk through the park after dinner.
¿Quieres ir a dar un paseo mañana por la mañana?
A1Do you want to go for a stroll tomorrow morning?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Right Verb
To say 'to take a walk' in Spanish, use the verb 'dar' (to give), resulting in 'dar un paseo', not the verb 'hacer' (to do/make).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Taking vs. Giving a Walk
Mistake: "Hicimos un paseo."
Correction: Dimos un paseo. (Remember: Spanish 'gives' a walk, it doesn't 'make' one.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Leisure Focus
A 'paseo' is usually relaxed and fun. If you are describing a strenuous hike, use 'caminata' or 'excursión' instead.
Paseo can refer to a ride by car, boat, or bike.
paseo(noun)
ride
?by car, boat, or bike
,drive
?short recreational trip
cruise
?short, informal boat trip
📝 In Action
El domingo haremos un paseo en bicicleta por la costa.
A2On Sunday we will take a bike ride along the coast.
Fueron de paseo en coche para ver las luces de la ciudad.
B1They went for a drive to see the city lights.
⭐ Usage Tips
Specifying Transport
Always specify the transport using 'paseo en [vehicle]' (e.g., 'paseo en barco', 'paseo en tren').
A scenic public walkway, or promenade, is called a paseo.
paseo(noun)
promenade
?public walkway, often coastal or scenic
,avenue
?broad street or boulevard
walkway
?pedestrian area
📝 In Action
El Paseo de Gracia es famoso por sus edificios modernistas en Barcelona.
B1The Paseo de Gracia is famous for its modernist buildings in Barcelona.
Hay mucha gente vendiendo artesanías en el paseo marítimo.
B2There are many people selling handicrafts on the seaside promenade.
When something is easy, it is a paseo, meaning it's a "piece of cake."
📝 In Action
Ganar el campeonato fue un paseo para nuestro equipo.
C1Winning the championship was a piece of cake for our team.
Pensé que el proyecto sería difícil, pero fue un paseo.
C1I thought the project would be difficult, but it was a cinch.
⭐ Usage Tips
Understanding Context
This meaning only applies when describing a task or competition. If you hear someone say something 'fue un paseo,' they mean it was done effortlessly.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: paseo
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish phrase correctly translates 'We took a ride on the boat'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'paseo' and 'caminata'?
'Paseo' is generally a short, relaxed, and leisurely walk taken purely for enjoyment. 'Caminata' implies a longer distance, a more vigorous pace, or a serious hike/trek.
How do I ask someone to come for a walk with me?
The most natural way is to use the infinitive phrase: '¿Quieres dar un paseo?' (Do you want to take a walk?) or '¿Salimos de paseo?' (Shall we go out for a stroll?)