Inklingo

How to Say "passing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “passing” is “pasando” — use 'pasando' when referring to the act of moving by or through a place, or more generally, to describe something that is currently happening.

English → Spanish

pasando

pa-san-dopaˈsando

Verb Form (Gerund)A2General
Use 'pasando' when referring to the act of moving by or through a place, or more generally, to describe something that is currently happening.
A bright red passenger train engine moving quickly past a small, stationary blue train station building.

Examples

¿Qué está pasando aquí?

What is happening here?

Estaba pasando por tu calle cuando te vi.

I was passing by your street when I saw you.

Lo estamos pasando muy bien en las vacaciones.

We are having a very good time on vacation.

The Spanish '-ing' Form

'Pasando' is the '-ing' version of the verb 'pasar'. You almost always use it right after a form of 'estar' (to be) to describe an action that is happening right now. For example, 'Estoy pasando' means 'I am passing'.

Not for Everything '-ing'

Mistake: “Using 'pasando' as a descriptive word, like 'un tren pasando' for 'a passing train'.”

Correction: In English, '-ing' words can describe nouns (a 'running' man). In Spanish, you can't usually do this. You would say 'un tren que pasa' (a train that is passing). 'Pasando' is for actions in progress, not descriptions.

aprobación

nounB1Formal/Academic
Use 'aprobación' specifically when talking about the successful completion of a test, course, or formal approval.

Examples

La aprobación de la asignatura requiere una nota de 60 por ciento.

Passing the course requires a grade of 60 percent.

pasada

pah-SAH-dahpaˈsaða

nounA2General
Choose 'pasada' to describe a brief movement of going by or a quick visit to a place.
A colorful illustration showing a simplified person running quickly past a stationary green tree, depicting movement.

Examples

Solo dimos una pasada por la tienda porque no teníamos tiempo.

We only made a quick stop by the store because we didn't have time.

Le di una rápida pasada a mi discurso antes de subir al escenario.

I gave my speech a quick run-through before going on stage.

Verb-Noun Pairing

This noun is almost always used with the verb 'dar' (to give) or 'hacer' (to make) when referring to a quick action: 'dar una pasada' (to give a quick look/go).

Using 'Paso' Instead

Mistake: “Hice un paso al texto.”

Correction: Hice una pasada al texto. ('Paso' means 'step' or 'pace'; 'pasada' means 'a quick look over' or 'a turn').

transcurso

trans-KOOR-sotɾansˈkuɾso

nounB1General/Formal
Use 'transcurso' exclusively when referring to the passage or progression of time.
A row of three pots showing a small sprout, then a medium plant, and finally a blooming flower.

Examples

En el transcurso de la semana te daré una respuesta.

In the course of the week, I will give you an answer.

Muchos cambios ocurrieron en el transcurso de los años.

Many changes occurred over the course of the years.

El transcurso del tiempo lo cura todo.

The passage of time heals everything.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine, so you should always use 'el' or 'un' with it (e.g., 'el transcurso').

The 'In the course of' formula

To say 'during,' use the fixed phrase 'en el transcurso de.' It sounds more professional than just saying 'durante.'

Forgetting the 'The'

Mistake: “En transcurso de la clase.”

Correction: En el transcurso de la clase. You always need the 'el' before 'transcurso' in this phrase.

Confusing with space

Mistake: “El transcurso a mi casa es largo.”

Correction: El trayecto a mi casa es largo. 'Transcurso' is almost always for time, not physical distance.

pasajero

pah-sah-HEH-rohpasaˈxeɾo

adjectiveB2General
Employ 'pasajero' as an adjective to describe something that is fleeting, temporary, or moving through quickly.
A single dandelion seed head with several seeds blowing away in a gentle breeze.

Examples

No te preocupes, es solo un dolor pasajero.

Don't worry, it's just a fleeting pain.

Fue una moda pasajera de los años noventa.

It was a passing fad from the nineties.

Adjective Agreement

Remember this word must match the noun it describes. If describing a 'moda' (fashion), use 'pasajera'.

fallecimiento

fa-ye-see-MYEN-tohfaʝesiˈmjento

nounB2Formal/Respectful
Use 'fallecimiento' as a respectful and formal term to refer to someone's death.
A single white lily flower resting on a dark, polished wooden surface.

Examples

Lamentamos informar el fallecimiento del reconocido actor.

We regret to inform you of the passing of the well-known actor.

La familia anunció el fallecimiento a través de las redes sociales.

The family announced the death through social media.

Necesitamos el acta de fallecimiento para completar el trámite.

We need the death certificate to complete the paperwork.

A Formal Alternative

Think of this word as the formal equivalent to 'muerte.' Use it when you want to be respectful, like in a letter or a news report.

It is a Masculine Noun

Since it ends in -o, it is masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el fallecimiento,' never 'la fallecimiento.'

Fallecimiento vs. Fallo

Mistake: “Using 'fallo' to mean death.”

Correction: Use 'fallecimiento' for death. 'Fallo' usually means a 'mistake' or a 'legal ruling.'

Usage with Pets

Mistake: “Using 'fallecimiento' for a dog or cat.”

Correction: While understandable, it sounds very strange. For animals, it's better to use 'muerte' (death).

Distinguishing 'Pasando' from Other 'Passing' Translations

Learners often confuse 'pasando' (happening/going by) with other meanings of 'passing.' Remember that 'pasando' is a verb form describing an action in progress or something occurring, while 'aprobación' is about success, 'fallecimiento' is about death, and 'pasada' refers to a brief movement or visit.

Related Translations

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