Inklingo

How to Say "passage" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “passage” is “pasaje” — use 'pasaje' for a section of text or music, or historically for a voyage or ticket.

pasaje🔊A2/B2

Use 'pasaje' for a section of text or music, or historically for a voyage or ticket.

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fragmento🔊B1

Use 'fragmento' for a specific, often short, excerpt or piece taken from a larger text.

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párrafoA2

Use 'párrafo' specifically for a distinct paragraph within a written text or speech.

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paso🔊B1

Use 'paso' to refer to a physical way or route through which one can pass.

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transiciónB1

Use 'transición' to describe the process or period of moving from one state or phase to another.

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trozo🔊B1

Use 'trozo' informally for a section or piece of something, often text or music, emphasizing it as a portion.

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tránsitoB1

Use 'tránsito' for the act or process of moving from one place or state to another, especially in travel contexts.

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English → Spanish

pasaje

pah-SAH-hehpaˈsa.xe

nounA2/B2General/Formal
Use 'pasaje' for a section of text or music, or historically for a voyage or ticket.
A colorful paper ticket stub, slightly torn, signifying a purchased fare for travel.

Examples

El profesor nos pidió analizar este pasaje del libro.

The professor asked us to analyze this passage from the book.

Necesito comprar un pasaje de ida y vuelta a la costa.

I need to buy a round-trip ticket to the coast.

El pasaje de metro es más caro ahora.

The subway fare is more expensive now.

Ese pasaje musical es mi parte favorita de la sinfonía.

That musical passage is my favorite part of the symphony.

Figurative Meaning

This is a figurative meaning—it treats the text itself as a 'passageway' or segment you move through when reading.

Using 'Pasaje' for Events

Mistake: “Compré un pasaje para el concierto.”

Correction: Compré una entrada/un boleto para el concierto. ('Pasaje' is reserved for transport.)

fragmento

frahg-MEHN-tohfɾaɣˈmento

nounB1General
Use 'fragmento' for a specific, often short, excerpt or piece taken from a larger text.
An open book with a single paragraph highlighted by a bright yellow glow.

Examples

Leímos un fragmento de 'Don Quijote' en clase.

We read an excerpt from 'Don Quixote' in class.

Escuché un fragmento de su nueva canción en la radio.

I heard a snippet of her new song on the radio.

El documental muestra un fragmento de la entrevista original.

The documentary shows a passage from the original interview.

Describing the excerpt

When describing the type of excerpt, the adjective comes after: 'fragmento seleccionado' (selected excerpt).

Confusing with 'fracción'

Mistake: “Una fracción del libro.”

Correction: Un fragmento del libro. 'Fracción' is mostly used for math or percentages, while 'fragmento' is for content.

párrafo

nounA2General
Use 'párrafo' specifically for a distinct paragraph within a written text or speech.

Examples

El primer párrafo de la noticia es el más importante.

The first paragraph of the news story is the most important.

paso

PAH-sohˈpaso

nounB1General
Use 'paso' to refer to a physical way or route through which one can pass.
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.

transición

nounB1General
Use 'transición' to describe the process or period of moving from one state or phase to another.

Examples

Estamos en un periodo de transición en la empresa.

We are in a transition period at the company.

trozo

TROH-sohˈtɾoso

nounB1Informal
Use 'trozo' informally for a section or piece of something, often text or music, emphasizing it as a portion.
A single, brightly colored rectangular panel, similar to a comic book frame, showing a simple character sitting under a large green tree.

Examples

Me encanta ese trozo de la canción.

I love that section of the song.

El profesor leyó un trozo del Quijote.

The professor read a passage from Don Quixote.

Solo recuerdo un pequeño trozo de nuestra conversación.

I only remember a small bit of our conversation.

tránsito

nounB1General
Use 'tránsito' for the act or process of moving from one place or state to another, especially in travel contexts.

Examples

Estamos en la zona de tránsito del aeropuerto.

We are in the airport's transit area.

Pasaje vs. Fragmento vs. Párrafo

The most common confusion is between 'pasaje', 'fragmento', and 'párrafo' when referring to a section of text. Use 'párrafo' only for a specific paragraph, 'fragmento' for a distinct excerpt, and 'pasaje' for a more general section or quote.

Related Translations

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