How to Say "to parade" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to parade” is “pasear” — use 'pasear' when you want to describe showing something off, like a new outfit or a pet, in a casual, non-processional way. It can also mean 'to walk' or 'to stroll'.
Use 'pasear' when you want to describe showing something off, like a new outfit or a pet, in a casual, non-processional way. It can also mean 'to walk' or 'to stroll'.
Learn more →
Choose 'desfilar' for formal processions, such as military parades, festive marches, or beauty pageants where participants move in an organized line.
Learn more →pah-seh-AHRpa.seˈaɾ
Examples
Ella pasea su nuevo vestido por el centro comercial.
She is parading her new dress around the mall.
¿Puedes pasear al perro después de cenar?
Can you walk the dog after dinner?
Mi abuelo siempre me paseaba en su coche viejo.
My grandfather always took me for a ride in his old car.
Action on an Object
When you use 'pasear' without a pronoun (like 'me' or 'se'), it means you are walking someone or something else (the object).
Using 'Pasear' for Simple Walking
Mistake: “Voy a pasear a la tienda. (I am going to walk to the store.)”
Correction: Voy a caminar a la tienda. ('Pasear' implies a leisurely stroll, not simple transportation.)
des-fee-LAHRdesfiˈlaɾ
Examples
Los concursantes desfilaron por la pasarela.
The contestants paraded down the runway.
Los soldados desfilan por la calle principal.
The soldiers are parading down the main street.
Mucha gente desfiló ante el monumento para mostrar respeto.
Many people filed past the monument to show respect.
Mañana desfilaremos en las fiestas del pueblo.
Tomorrow we will march in the town festival.
Always in a line
Use this word when the movement is organized or in a sequence. If people are just walking randomly, use 'caminar' instead.
Movement past a point
When people are walking past a person or monument in a line, we use the word 'ante' (meaning 'before' or 'past').
Confusing with casual walking
Mistake: “Desfilo al supermercado.”
Correction: Camino al supermercado. (Because you aren't in a formal parade to buy milk!)
Confusing Processions with Casual Displays
Learners often confuse 'desfilar' (formal procession) with 'pasear' (casual showing off). Remember, 'desfilar' is for organized groups moving together, while 'pasear' is for an individual displaying something or taking a leisurely walk.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.