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How to Say "crossed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cruzado

kroo-SAH-doh/kruˈsaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'cruzado' when referring to things that are physically placed over each other, like arms, legs, or lines that intersect.
Two thick, simple lines intersecting at their center, forming a clear 'X' shape against a plain background.

Examples

Tenía los brazos cruzados, esperando pacientemente.

He had his arms crossed, waiting patiently.

Las líneas cruzadas indican una intersección.

The crossed lines indicate an intersection.

Este perro es un cruce, un animal cruzado de dos razas.

This dog is a mix, a cross-bred animal of two races.

Agreement Rule

As an adjective, 'cruzado' must match the noun it describes in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). For example, 'brazos' (masculine, plural) requires 'cruzados'.

pasara

/pah-SAH-rah//paˈsaɾa/

verbA2general
Use 'pasara' (imperfect subjunctive of 'pasar') when referring to the action of passing by or going beyond a physical barrier or obstacle.
A fast red train moving past a static green hill on a track, representing the action of passing by.

Examples

Esperaba que el tren pasara antes de cruzar la vía.

She hoped that the train would pass before crossing the track.

Era necesario que él pasara por la aduana.

It was necessary that he pass through customs.

Verbs of Emotion and Necessity

When the main part of the sentence expresses an emotion ('Esperaba que...') or a necessity ('Era necesario que...'), the verb in the second part often takes the imperfect subjunctive form like 'pasara'.

Using the Past Indicative

Mistake: “Saying: 'Esperaba que el tren pasó.' (She hoped the train passed.)”

Correction: The hope/desire makes the second verb uncertain, requiring 'pasara' (subjunctive): 'Esperaba que el tren pasara.'

Adjective vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse 'cruzado' (adjective, meaning positioned across) with verbs like 'pasar' or 'cruzar' (to cross). Remember 'cruzado' describes a state, while verbs describe an action or movement.

Related Translations

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