How to Say "to elapse" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to elapse” is “transcurrir” — B1 level.
Examples
Las horas transcurrieron rápidamente mientras hablábamos.
The hours passed quickly while we were talking.
Han transcurrido tres años desde que te vi por última vez.
Three years have gone by since I last saw you.
Deben transcurrir diez días antes de recibir los resultados.
Ten days must elapse before receiving the results.
Time is the subject
This word is almost always used with a time-related word (like 'hours,' 'years,' or 'time') as the thing doing the action.
No Direct Object
You cannot 'transcurrir' something. It is something that happens on its own. You don't say 'I transcurred the day,' but rather 'the day transcurred.'
Confusing with 'Pasar'
Mistake: “Using 'transcurrir' to mean 'to pass an exam' or 'to pass the salt.'”
Correction: Use 'transcurrir' only for the movement of time or the unfolding of an event. For exams or physical objects, use 'pasar.'
Related Translations
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