Inklingo

How to Say "pass" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “pass” is “pase” — use 'pase' for a ticket, permit, or authorization, especially for travel like a boarding pass or a general access permit.

pase🔊A2

Use 'pase' for a ticket, permit, or authorization, especially for travel like a boarding pass or a general access permit.

Learn more →
paso🔊B1

Use 'paso' when referring to a physical passage, such as a mountain pass, a narrow route between places, or a step.

Learn more →
abono🔊A2

Choose 'abono' when referring to a pass for public transportation that covers a period of time or multiple journeys.

Learn more →
boleto🔊A1

Use 'boleto' for a ticket that grants authorization to enter an event, place, or use a service.

Learn more →
entrada🔊A2

Use 'entrada' for a ticket, especially for events or entertainment, or an access card.

Learn more →
bono🔊A2

Use 'bono' for a pass that provides a set number of uses for transport or access to services, like a multi-trip ticket.

Learn more →
aprobado🔊B1

Use 'aprobado' to refer to a successful result, specifically a passing grade on an exam or test.

Learn more →
apto🔊B1

Use 'apto' as an adjective to describe someone or something as qualified, suitable, or fit, often after an evaluation.

Learn more →
pasan🔊A1

Use 'pasan' (from 'pasar') to describe the action of moving through or by something, or time going by.

Learn more →
abra🔊B2

Use 'abra' for a narrow route through mountains, similar to a mountain pass.

Learn more →
garganta🔊B2

Use 'garganta' to describe a very narrow passage or gorge, often between mountains or cliffs.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

pase

PAH-sehˈpa.se

nounA2general
Use 'pase' for a ticket, permit, or authorization, especially for travel like a boarding pass or a general access permit.
A colorful rectangular access pass or ticket granting entry to an event or location.

Examples

Necesito mi pase de abordar para subir al avión.

I need my boarding pass to get on the plane.

Compramos un pase de tres días para el parque de diversiones.

We bought a three-day pass for the amusement park.

El jugador de fútbol dio un pase perfecto a su compañero.

The soccer player made a perfect pass to his teammate.

Adelante, pase por favor. La puerta está abierta.

Go ahead, come in please. The door is open.

A Polite Command

'Pase' is the formal way to tell someone (usted) to come in or go ahead. For a friend (tú), you would say 'pasa'.

Expressing Wishes and Doubts

'Pase' is also a special verb form used after phrases like 'quiero que...' (I want...), 'espero que...' (I hope...), or 'dudo que...' (I doubt...). It signals that you're talking about something uncertain or desired, not a fact. Example: 'Espero que él pase.' (I hope that he passes.)

Confusing `pase` with `paseo`

Mistake: “Quiero comprar un paseo para el concierto.”

Correction: Quiero comprar un pase para el concierto. 'Pase' is the ticket or permit itself. 'Paseo' is the activity of going for a walk or a stroll.

Formal vs. Informal Commands

Mistake: “Telling a friend: 'Pase a mi casa.'”

Correction: Tell a friend: 'Pasa a mi casa.' Use 'pase' for people you would address as 'usted,' like a boss, an older person, or someone you just met. Use 'pasa' for friends, family, and people you call 'tú'.

paso

PAH-sohˈpaso

nounB1general
Use 'paso' when referring to a physical passage, such as a mountain pass, a narrow route between places, or a step.
A narrow, winding road cutting between two tall, rocky hills, symbolizing a passage or mountain pass.

Examples

El túnel es el único paso entre las dos ciudades.

The tunnel is the only passage between the two cities.

Cerraron el paso de montaña por la nieve.

They closed the mountain pass because of the snow.

El guardia nos bloqueó el paso.

The guard blocked our way.

abono

ah-BOH-nohaˈβono

nounA2general
Choose 'abono' when referring to a pass for public transportation that covers a period of time or multiple journeys.
A colorful plastic card with a stadium icon and a lanyard on a simple background.

Examples

He comprado un abono para el metro este mes.

I bought a metro pass for this month.

Tengo un abono de temporada para ver al Real Madrid.

I have a season ticket to watch Real Madrid.

El abono del teatro incluye seis funciones.

The theater subscription includes six performances.

Always Masculine

The word 'abono' is always masculine ('el abono'), even if it belongs to a woman or refers to a feminine noun like 'la suscripción'.

Don't use for single trips

Mistake: “Voy a comprar un abono para este viaje único.”

Correction: Voy a comprar un billete para este viaje único. An 'abono' is for multiple trips or a period of time, not just one.

boleto

boh-LEH-tohboˈle.to

nounA1general
Use 'boleto' for a ticket that grants authorization to enter an event, place, or use a service.
A colorful illustration depicting a single, simple rectangular paper ticket stub, distinctively showing a perforated edge.

Examples

¿Tienes tu boleto para el concierto?

Do you have your ticket for the concert?

Compré un boleto de ida y vuelta para ir a la playa.

I bought a round-trip ticket to go to the beach.

El boleto ganador fue el número 457.

The winning lottery ticket was number 457.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'boleto' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) with it: 'El boleto es caro' (The ticket is expensive).

Mixing up 'boleto' and 'billete'

Mistake: “Using 'boleto' when talking about paper money in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, use 'billete' for paper money (banknote). Use 'boleto' primarily for tickets in Mexico and Central America, and sometimes for transport tickets in Spain, though 'billete' is also very common there.

entrada

en-TRAH-dahenˈtɾaða

nounA2general
Use 'entrada' for a ticket, especially for events or entertainment, or an access card.
A single, bright red rectangular event ticket with a perforated edge, held by a person's thumb and forefinger.

Examples

¿Tienes ya tus entradas para el cine?

Do you already have your tickets for the movies?

La entrada al parque cuesta diez euros.

Admission to the park costs ten euros.

bono

boh-nohˈbono

nounA2general
Use 'bono' for a pass that provides a set number of uses for transport or access to services, like a multi-trip ticket.
A colorful plastic transit card being tapped on a electronic reader gate.

Examples

Compré un bono de diez viajes para el metro.

I bought a ten-trip pass for the subway.

Tengo un bono de descuento para esta tienda.

I have a discount voucher for this store.

El bono del gimnasio me permite ir a cualquier hora.

The gym pass allows me to go at any time.

Always Masculine

Even if the item it refers to (like 'una entrada' or 'una tarjeta') is feminine, 'el bono' stays masculine.

Pluralization

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's': 'los bonos'.

Bono vs. Billete

Mistake: “Using 'bono' for a single one-way ticket.”

Correction: Use 'billete' or 'boleto' for a single ride, and 'bono' for a multi-use pass.

aprobado

ah-pro-BAH-doha.pɾo.ˈβa.ðo

nounB1academic
Use 'aprobado' to refer to a successful result, specifically a passing grade on an exam or test.
A happy student holding a paper with a large gold star on it.

Examples

Con un cinco obtienes un aprobado.

With a five (out of ten), you get a passing grade.

Noun usage

As a noun, it refers to the grade itself. It is always masculine: 'el aprobado'.

apto

AP-tohˈapto

adjectiveB1general
Use 'apto' as an adjective to describe someone or something as qualified, suitable, or fit, often after an evaluation.
A person wearing a chef's hat and apron holding a silver platter with a perfectly baked cake.

Examples

El candidato fue declarado apto para el puesto.

The candidate was declared qualified for the position.

Mi resultado en el examen de conducir fue 'apto'.

My result on the driving test was 'pass'.

Después de la revisión médica, el atleta es apto para competir.

After the medical check-up, the athlete is fit to compete.

Pass or Fail

In many Spanish-speaking countries, exams don't use 'pass/fail' but rather 'apto' (pass) and 'no apto' (fail).

Thinking it's a noun

Mistake: “Tengo un apto.”

Correction: Soy apto o mi resultado es apto. (While it acts like a grade, it is still describing you or your result.)

pasan

PAH-sahnˈpa.san

verbA1general
Use 'pasan' (from 'pasar') to describe the action of moving through or by something, or time going by.
Three simplified figures walking along a curved path, moving past a large green tree and disappearing into the distance, illustrating movement.

Examples

Ellos pasan por la puerta sin mirar.

They pass through the door without looking.

Los días pasan muy rápido cuando estamos ocupados.

The days pass very quickly when we are busy.

Ustedes pasan la frontera esta noche.

You all cross the border tonight.

Identifying the Speaker

'Pasan' is used when talking about 'ellos' (they, masculine or mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all/y'all).

abra

AH-brahˈa.βɾa

nounB2geographical
Use 'abra' for a narrow route through mountains, similar to a mountain pass.
A visual representation of a geographical gap: two large green hills separated by a narrow, clear path or opening.

Examples

Tuvimos que cruzar la abra de la sierra para llegar al valle.

We had to cross the mountain pass to reach the valley.

La abra en la costa ofrecía un refugio natural para los barcos.

The inlet on the coast offered a natural shelter for the boats.

Gender Note

This noun is feminine: 'la abra'. Note that it does not follow the rule of using 'el' before feminine nouns that start with a stressed 'a' sound, because 'abra' is not stressed on the first syllable.

garganta

gar-GAN-tahɡaɾˈɣanta

nounB2geographical
Use 'garganta' to describe a very narrow passage or gorge, often between mountains or cliffs.
A landscape illustration depicting a deep, narrow gorge with steep rocky walls on both sides and a small river flowing through the base.

Examples

Tuvimos que cruzar una garganta muy estrecha para llegar al valle.

We had to cross a very narrow gorge to reach the valley.

La garganta de la botella es demasiado pequeña para el cepillo.

The neck of the bottle is too small for the brush.

Pass for Transportation vs. Passing a Test

Learners often confuse 'pase', 'abono', and 'bono' for transportation passes. Remember 'pase' is general for permits/tickets, 'abono' is for a time-based transport pass, and 'bono' is for a set number of uses. Don't use these for passing a test; use 'aprobado' for the grade itself.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.