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How to Say "went through" in Spanish

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pasara

/pah-SAH-rah//paˈsaɾa/

verbA2general
Use 'pasara' when referring to something physically passing by or moving through a location, often in a hypothetical or past subjunctive context.
A fast red train moving past a static green hill on a track, representing the action of passing by.

Examples

Esperaba que el tren pasara antes de cruzar la vía.

She hoped that the train would pass before crossing the track.

Era necesario que él pasara por la aduana.

It was necessary that he pass through customs.

Verbs of Emotion and Necessity

When the main part of the sentence expresses an emotion ('Esperaba que...') or a necessity ('Era necesario que...'), the verb in the second part often takes the imperfect subjunctive form like 'pasara'.

Using the Past Indicative

Mistake: “Saying: 'Esperaba que el tren pasó.' (She hoped the train passed.)”

Correction: The hope/desire makes the second verb uncertain, requiring 'pasara' (subjunctive): 'Esperaba que el tren pasara.'

sufrió

verb (conjugated form)A2general
Use 'sufrió' to describe someone experiencing significant difficulty, pain, or suffering, especially due to a specific event or loss.

Examples

Ella sufrió mucho por la pérdida de su mascota.

She suffered a lot over the loss of her pet.

vivió

verbB1general
Use 'vivió' to indicate that someone lived through or experienced a significant period, event, or adventure, emphasizing the duration and personal involvement.

Examples

Mi abuela vivió la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

My grandmother experienced the Second World War.

Experiencing vs. Enduring vs. Passing

Learners often confuse 'sufrió' (suffered) with 'vivió' (lived through/experienced). Remember that 'sufrió' implies hardship and negative emotions, while 'vivió' is broader, covering any significant life experience, positive or negative. 'Pasara' is distinct and refers to movement, not personal experience.

Related Translations

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