After you
in SpanishPase usted
/PAH-seh oos-TED/
This is the most common, polite, and universally understood way to say 'After you.' It's perfect for showing respect to strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
A simple gesture like holding a door and saying 'Pase usted' is a universal sign of courtesy in the Spanish-speaking world.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Adelante
/ah-deh-LAHN-teh/
Literally meaning 'forward' or 'go ahead,' this is an extremely common and versatile alternative. It's slightly less formal than 'Pase usted' but still very polite and can be used in almost any situation.
Pasa tú
/PAH-sah TOO/
This is the informal version of 'Pase usted,' using the 'tú' form. It's the go-to phrase for friends, family, children, and people your own age.
Pase
/PAH-seh/
A slightly shortened, quicker version of 'Pase usted.' It's still polite but feels a little more relaxed. It can also be used informally.
Pásele
/PAH-seh-leh/
This is a very warm, friendly, and common expression, especially in Mexico. It's a contraction of 'Pase usted' with an added 'le' that makes it sound more inviting, like 'Come on in!'
Primero usted
/pree-MEH-roh oos-TED/
This phrase means 'You first.' It's a very clear and chivalrous way to offer someone precedence. It's perfectly polite and understood everywhere.
Después de usted
/des-PWESS deh oos-TED/
This is the most literal translation of 'After you.' While grammatically correct, it's used much less frequently in conversation than 'Pase' or 'Adelante.' It can sound a bit stiff or overly formal.
Pasá vos
/pah-SAH VOHS/
This is the equivalent of 'Pasa tú' in regions that use 'vos' instead of 'tú' for the informal 'you.' The verb form changes slightly to match the 'vos' pronoun.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best 'After you' for any situation.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pase usted | Formal | Showing respect to elders, strangers, bosses, or in any professional setting. | Talking to close friends or children, where it might sound too distant. |
| Pasa tú / Pasá vos | Informal | Friends, family, pets, and anyone you're on a first-name basis with. | In formal situations or when addressing someone with a title (Dr., Sr., Sra.). |
| Adelante | Neutral | Almost any situation; it's a safe, polite, and versatile all-rounder. | Rarely a bad choice, but 'Pase usted' might be better in extremely formal settings. |
| Primero usted | Formal | Clearly yielding your turn in a line or at a service counter. | Casual situations with friends, where it can sound a bit too ceremonious. |
| Pásele | Informal (but polite) | Welcoming someone into a shop or home in Mexico; it's very friendly. | Outside of Mexico and Central America, as it might not be commonly used. |
📈Difficulty Level
All the sounds in these phrases are very straightforward for English speakers. No tricky 'r' rolls or complex vowels.
The only grammatical challenge is remembering to match the verb ('pase'/'pasa') with the correct level of formality ('usted'/'tú').
Choosing the correct formality is key. Using the wrong one isn't a disaster, but using the right one shows cultural awareness and respect.
Key Challenges:
- Choosing between formal (usted) and informal (tú)
- Remembering to use the phrase, as it's a core part of daily politeness
💡Examples in Action
Por favor, pase usted. Yo no tengo prisa.
Please, after you. I'm not in a hurry.
¡Adelante! Bienvenido a nuestra casa.
Come in! Welcome to our home.
Oye, ¿vas a la cocina? Pasa tú, yo voy después.
Hey, are you going to the kitchen? After you, I'll go later.
En el buffet, mi abuela siempre dice, 'No, no, primero usted'.
At the buffet, my grandmother always says, 'No, no, you first'.
🌍Cultural Context
The Importance of Formality (Usted vs. Tú)
Unlike English, Spanish has formal ('usted') and informal ('tú'/'vos') ways of saying 'you.' Using 'Pase usted' shows respect and is crucial when addressing elders, professionals, or strangers. Using the informal 'Pasa tú' in a formal situation can be seen as disrespectful, so 'usted' is always the safer choice when in doubt.
It's Often Paired with a Gesture
Saying 'After you' in Spanish is almost always accompanied by a physical gesture. This is typically an open-palmed hand motion indicating the direction you want the person to go, like through a doorway or towards a chair. The gesture reinforces the verbal politeness.
A Sign of 'Caballerosidad'
In many Hispanic cultures, traditional etiquette and 'caballerosidad' (chivalry or gentlemanliness) are still quite valued. Gestures like holding doors open and insisting 'Pase usted' are common, especially from men towards women, but it's a general sign of politeness used by everyone.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Literal Translation
Mistake: "Saying 'Después de ti' or 'Después de usted.'"
Correction: Use 'Pasa tú / Pase usted' or 'Adelante' instead.
Mixing Formality
Mistake: "Saying 'Pasa usted' or 'Pase tú'."
Correction: Correct pairs are 'Pasa tú' (informal) and 'Pase usted' (formal).
Defaulting to Informal 'Tú'
Mistake: "Using 'Pasa tú' with a stranger, your boss, or an elderly person."
Correction: Always use 'Pase usted' in these situations.
💡Pro Tips
When in Doubt, Go Formal
If you're ever unsure whether to use the formal or informal version, always choose the formal 'Pase usted.' It's better to be seen as slightly too polite than as disrespectful. The other person will correct you if they prefer you to be informal.
Listen and Mirror
Pay attention to how people address you. If they use 'usted' with you, you should use 'usted' back. If they use 'tú' or 'vos,' it's usually safe to use that form with them as well.
Combine with 'Por Favor'
You can make the phrase even more polite by adding 'por favor' (please). For example, 'Adelante, por favor' is a very courteous way to invite someone to proceed.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Mexico is known for its politeness, and the use of 'usted' is more widespread, even in some service encounters where other countries might use 'tú'. The phrase 'Pásele' is quintessentially Mexican, adding a layer of warmth and friendliness to the invitation to enter or proceed.
Spain
In Spain, the distinction between 'tú' and 'usted' is quite clear-cut. 'Tú' is used very broadly with peers, while 'usted' is reserved for the elderly, authority figures, and very formal situations. 'Adelante' is extremely common when answering a knock on the door.
Argentina
Argentina predominantly uses 'vos' instead of 'tú.' The command form changes from 'pasa' to 'pasá,' with the stress on the final syllable. Using 'pasá vos' will make you sound much more like a local.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say 'Pase usted'
Gracias, muy amable.
Thank you, very kind.
De nada.
You're welcome.
After you say 'Adelante'
Con permiso.
With your permission. / Excuse me.
Propio.
Go ahead. (A common, slightly formal response).
After you say 'Pasa tú' to a friend
¡Vale, gracias!
Okay, thanks!
No hay de qué.
Don't mention it.
🧠Memory Tricks
This directly connects the Spanish word to its English meaning, making it easy to remember when you want someone to pass through a door or go ahead of you.
This silly visual helps connect the sound of the word to the meaning of 'go ahead' or 'forward.'
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the mandatory choice between formal ('usted') and informal ('tú'/'vos') versions, a concept that doesn't exist in modern English with its universal 'you.' Spanish culture often places a higher emphasis on these small, everyday polite gestures than is typical in some English-speaking cultures.
The Spanish phrases are just as direct as the English 'After you.' However, the choice of formality (using 'usted') can add a layer of respectful distance that English achieves through tone of voice or other words like 'sir' or 'ma'am.'
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say please in Spanish
It's another essential polite expression that you'll use constantly.
How to say thank you in Spanish
This is the natural response someone will give you after you say 'After you.'
How to say you're welcome in Spanish
This is how you'll respond when someone thanks you.
How to say excuse me in Spanish
It's part of the same family of phrases for navigating public spaces politely.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: After you
Question 1 of 3
You are holding the door to a building for your new, 50-year-old boss. What is the most appropriate thing to say?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between 'Pase usted' and 'Adelante'?
Think of 'Pase usted' as specifically 'You go first' through a passage like a door. 'Adelante' is more general, meaning 'Go ahead' or 'Come in.' They are often interchangeable, but 'Adelante' is very common for welcoming someone into a space, while 'Pase usted' is perfect for holding a door.
Is it rude if I forget to say 'after you'?
It might not be considered overtly rude, but it could make you seem a bit hurried or less courteous. Politeness is highly valued, and making these small gestures is a great way to make a positive impression and show respect for local customs.
Can I just say 'Pase' without 'usted'?
Yes, absolutely. Saying just 'Pase' is very common. It's a neutral, slightly less formal version of 'Pase usted' that works in most everyday situations, like letting someone pass in a supermarket aisle.
How do I know when to use the informal 'tú' version?
A good rule of thumb is to use 'tú' with people your own age or younger, friends, family, and children. Use 'usted' for anyone you'd address with a title (Mr., Mrs., Dr.), elders, and in professional or formal settings. When in doubt, start with 'usted'.
Do these phrases change depending on if I'm talking to a man or a woman?
No, these phrases do not change based on gender. 'Pase usted' works exactly the same whether you are speaking to a man or a woman. The same applies to all the other variations.
I'm in Mexico and I keep hearing 'Pásele'. What does that mean?
'Pásele' is a very friendly and welcoming version of 'Pase usted,' used frequently in Mexico. The '-le' ending is a particle that adds a friendly, encouraging tone. It means 'Come on in!' or 'Go right ahead!' and is a hallmark of Mexican hospitality.
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