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How to Say "passing" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pasando

/pa-san-do//paˈsando/

Verb Form (Gerund)A2General
Use this when 'passing' describes an action that is currently happening or in progress, often translated as 'happening' or 'going on'.
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.

pasada

pah-SAH-dah/paˈsaða/

nounA2General
Use this to talk about the act of moving by or going past something, like a quick stop or a brief moment.
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').

aprobación

nounB1Academic/Formal
This specifically refers to the successful passing of a test, exam, or course.

Examples

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

Passing the course requires a grade of 60 percent.

pasajero

/pah-sah-HEH-roh//pasaˈxeɾo/

adjectiveB2General
Use this when 'passing' describes something that is temporary or fleeting, not permanent.
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'.

Action vs. State vs. Success

Learners often confuse 'pasando' (happening now) with 'pasajero' (temporary). Remember 'pasando' is an action in progress, while 'pasajero' describes a state or quality that is not permanent. Also, don't use 'pasada' for academic success; 'aprobación' is the correct term for passing a test or course.

Related Translations

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