transcurrir
“transcurrir” means “to pass” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to pass, to go by
Also: to elapse
📝 In Action
Las horas transcurrieron rápidamente mientras hablábamos.
B1The hours passed quickly while we were talking.
Han transcurrido tres años desde que te vi por última vez.
B2Three years have gone by since I last saw you.
Deben transcurrir diez días antes de recibir los resultados.
C1Ten days must elapse before receiving the results.
to take place, to unfold
Also: to happen
📝 In Action
La reunión transcurrió sin problemas.
B2The meeting took place without any problems.
La infancia de la autora transcurrió en un pequeño pueblo.
C1The author's childhood unfolded in a small town.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: transcurrir
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'transcurrir' for time?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'transcurrere', where 'trans' means 'across' or 'through' and 'currere' means 'to run'. It literally means 'to run through' time.
First recorded: 13th 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
Is 'transcurrir' the same as 'pasar'?
Mostly yes, when talking about time. However, 'pasar' is used for many other things (passing salt, passing an exam), while 'transcurrir' is strictly for time passing or events unfolding.
Can I use 'transcurrir' in a casual text to a friend?
You can, but it might sound a bit like you're writing a novel! It’s better to use 'pasar' in casual chat and save 'transcurrir' for letters, stories, or formal emails.
Is it an irregular verb?
No, it follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ir.