المعنى
Events that have already happened should be left behind and not dwell upon.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase is inextricably linked to the 'Príncipe de la Canción,' José José. Singing the lyrics 'Lo pasado, pasado, no me interesa' is a common cathartic activity in karaoke bars across the country. In Spain, this phrase is often used with a sense of 'resignation' or 'estoicismo.' It reflects the historical transition periods where the country had to move past internal conflicts. While 'Lo pasado, pasado está' is understood, Argentines often prefer the shorter 'Ya fue' or 'Ya está' for minor issues, reserving the full proverb for more serious emotional reconciliations. The influence of urban music (Reggaeton) has made 'Lo que pasó, pasó' a more dominant variation among younger generations, though the original proverb remains the 'standard' for older speakers.
The Power of the Pause
When saying this, put a small pause after the first 'pasado'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and adds emotional weight.
Don't be dismissive
Be careful with your tone. If said too quickly or sharply, it can sound like you are telling the other person to 'shut up' about their feelings.
المعنى
Events that have already happened should be left behind and not dwell upon.
The Power of the Pause
When saying this, put a small pause after the first 'pasado'. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and adds emotional weight.
Don't be dismissive
Be careful with your tone. If said too quickly or sharply, it can sound like you are telling the other person to 'shut up' about their feelings.
The Karaoke Connection
If you are in a Spanish-speaking country and this song comes on, sing along! It's a great way to bond with locals.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Lo ________, pasado ________.
The standard proverb uses 'pasado' twice and ends with the verb 'está'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Lo pasado, pasado está'?
Situation: Your friend is still apologizing for accidentally breaking your pen three years ago.
The phrase is used to provide closure and stop someone from dwelling on minor past mistakes.
Which of these sentences uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
Select the best option:
This shows a mature, forward-looking attitude in a business setting.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Siento mucho lo que dije en la fiesta.' Juan: 'No te preocupes, Ana. ________.'
This is the most natural and idiomatic way to respond to an apology in Spanish.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينLo ________, pasado ________.
The standard proverb uses 'pasado' twice and ends with the verb 'está'.
Situation: Your friend is still apologizing for accidentally breaking your pen three years ago.
The phrase is used to provide closure and stop someone from dwelling on minor past mistakes.
Select the best option:
This shows a mature, forward-looking attitude in a business setting.
Ana: 'Siento mucho lo que dije en la fiesta.' Juan: 'No te preocupes, Ana. ________.'
This is the most natural and idiomatic way to respond to an apology in Spanish.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt is 'Lo pasado'. Using 'lo' makes it abstract ('that which is past'). 'El pasado' refers to 'The Past' as a noun/time period, which is grammatically correct but not how the proverb is said.
Yes, but keep it for situations where a project has ended or a mistake has been addressed. It's a bit informal, so use it with colleagues you know well.
Because 'estar' describes a state. The past has *become* the past. 'Es' would imply a permanent definition, which sounds less natural in this idiomatic context.
Absolutely. From Spain to Argentina to Mexico, everyone knows and uses this phrase.
Not at all. While it's an old proverb, it's used daily by people of all ages.
Yes! If you just dropped a glass and cleaned it up, you can say it to stop feeling bad about it.
'Ya fue' is very slangy and common in the Southern Cone (Argentina/Uruguay). 'Lo pasado, pasado está' is more universal and slightly more formal.
Yes, by José José. It is one of the most famous songs in the Spanish language and is the reason the phrase is so popular today.
You can, but it's not the 'proverb form.' It sounds like a normal sentence. To sound idiomatic, use the standard order.
It can be. If your boss is reprimanding you, saying 'lo pasado, pasado está' might sound like you are ignoring their criticism. Use it only after the reprimand is over.
عبارات ذات صلة
Agua pasada no mueve molino
synonymPast water doesn't move the mill.
Borrón y cuenta nueva
similarClean slate.
A lo hecho, pecho
builds onFace what is done with courage.
Lo que pasó, pasó
specialized formWhat happened, happened.
