Inklingo

How to Say "moves" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pasos

/PAH-sohs//ˈpasos/

nounB1general
Use 'pasos' when referring to the specific steps or movements in a dance, choreography, or a sequence of actions.
A stylized silhouette of a single dancer performing a graceful ballet leap on a polished wooden floor.

Examples

La coreografía requiere pasos complicados.

The choreography requires complicated moves.

La salsa tiene pasos muy rápidos y complejos.

Salsa has very fast and complex steps/moves.

Ella enseña los pasos básicos del tango.

She teaches the basic steps of the tango.

pases

PAH-ses/ˈpases/

nounA1general
Use 'pases' primarily when referring to tickets or passes for events, or in sports contexts for a 'pass' of the ball. It's less common for dance steps.
Two simple cartoon soccer players on a field. One player is kicking a ball toward the other, symbolizing a series of successful 'passes.'

Examples

Necesito dos pases para el concierto de esta noche.

I need two tickets/passes for tonight's concert.

Los jugadores hicieron muchos pases rápidos.

The players made many quick passes (in the game).

Hemos comprado abonos de diez pases para el metro.

We have bought ten-ride passes for the subway.

Plural Rule

The singular noun is 'pase' (ending in 'e'). To make it plural, you just add an 's' to the end: 'pases'.

Gender Consistency

Since 'pase' is a masculine noun, its plural 'pases' must always use masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., los pases, pases rápidos).

Confusing Dance Steps with Tickets

Learners often confuse 'pasos' (dance steps) with 'pases' (tickets/passes). Remember that 'pasos' is for physical movements in dance or sequences, while 'pases' usually refers to entry or the act of passing something, like a ball.

Related Translations

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