Inklingo

How to Say "step inside" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pasen

/PAH-sen//ˈpa.sen/

verbA1invitation
Use 'pasen' when you are inviting someone to enter a place, such as a room or building, in a polite and welcoming manner.
A well-dressed figure stands at an open doorway, formally extending a hand in a welcoming gesture, inviting three people who are stepping across the threshold to enter the room.

Examples

Pasen, por favor. Estamos listos para empezar la reunión.

Come in, please. We are ready to start the meeting.

¡Pasen! No se queden en la puerta.

Enter! Don't stay in the doorway.

Formal Group Command

This form, 'pasen,' is used when you are giving a command to a group of people you address formally (ustedes). It is polite and respectful.

The 'AR' Rule

For commands to formal groups ('ustedes'), Spanish uses the verb form that ends in '-en' (for 'ar' verbs like pasar).

Confusing Formal and Informal

Mistake: “Using 'pasáis' when speaking to a formal group of adults.”

Correction: Use 'Pasen' (formal group command) for respect. 'Pasáis' is only used in Spain for informal groups ('vosotros').

métete

verbA1a polite instruction
Use 'métete' as a direct, informal command to tell someone to get into a specific enclosed space, often with a sense of urgency.

Examples

¡Métete en el coche, que llegamos tarde!

Get in the car, we are going to be late!

Invitation vs. Command

Learners often confuse 'pasen' and 'métete' by using the informal command 'métete' in polite invitation situations. Remember, 'pasen' is for welcoming, while 'métete' is a direct instruction to enter.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.