En 15 secondes
- Used to describe a lack of shared moments or time spent on activities.
- Uses the verb 'passar' (to pass) instead of 'gastar' (to spend).
- Carries emotional weight regarding neglect or lack of priority in relationships.
- Commonly used for digital habits, family life, and work-life balance.
Signification
Décrit l'absence de moments partagés ou le manque de priorité dans une relation. Cela implique un vide dans la connexion sociale ou la présence.
Exemples clés
3 sur 10Texting a friend about a busy week
Eu não passo muito tempo em casa ultimamente.
I haven't been spending much time at home lately.
A couple having a serious talk
Sinto que nós não passamos tempo de qualidade juntos.
I feel like we don't spend quality time together.
Instagram caption about a digital detox
Decidi não passar tempo no celular hoje.
I decided not to spend time on my phone today.
Contexte culturel
In Lusophone cultures, particularly in Brazil, 'convívio' (living/socializing together) is a core social value. Relationships are built on long, unstructured periods of 'passando tempo'—think of Sunday family lunches that last six hours or standing on a street corner chatting for an hour after saying goodbye. Therefore, 'não passar tempo' isn't just a scheduling issue; it's often perceived as a sign that a relationship is cooling or that someone is becoming 'metido' (snobbish) or too individualistic. The phrase reflects a culture where time is seen as something to be shared and experienced collectively rather than just managed and optimized.
The 'Pass' Logic
Remember that time is shared, not spent. If you think of 'passing' a ball, you'll always choose 'passar' over 'gastar'.
Don't 'Gastar' your Boyfriend!
Saying 'não gasto tempo com meu namorado' makes him sound like a monthly subscription you cancelled. Use 'passar' to keep the love alive.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe a lack of shared moments or time spent on activities.
- Uses the verb 'passar' (to pass) instead of 'gastar' (to spend).
- Carries emotional weight regarding neglect or lack of priority in relationships.
- Commonly used for digital habits, family life, and work-life balance.
What It Means
Is your phone the last thing you see at night and the first thing you touch in the morning? If so, you might be não passando tempo with the people sitting right next to you on the couch. This phrase is the bread and butter of Portuguese relationship talks, whether you're complaining to a partner or explaining your busy work schedule to your mom. It’s a versatile tool that captures the essence of being present—or rather, the lack thereof.
What It Means
At its core, não passar tempo is about the flow of life. In English, we 'spend' time like it’s a currency in a bank account, but in Portuguese, you 'pass' it like a ball in a soccer match. When you 'don't pass time,' the game has stopped. It’s not just about the minutes on the clock; it’s about the quality of the interaction. If you are in the same room as someone but both of you are scrolling through TikTok, a native speaker might still say you are não passando tempo juntos. It implies a lack of 'convívio' (living together/socializing). It’s the linguistic version of a cold cup of coffee—it’s there, but the warmth is gone. You’ll hear this often in modern contexts where digital distractions are the main culprit for a lack of connection. It’s a B2 level phrase because while the words are simple, the nuance of when to use passar versus other verbs like gastar is where the expertise shows. Use it when you want to express that something is missing in the rhythm of your day-to-day life.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is like building a LEGO set; you just need to snap the right pieces together. The formula is simple: [Subject] + não + [Conjugated Verb 'passar'] + tempo. Most of the time, you’ll want to specify *where* or *with whom* the time isn't being passed. For people, use the preposition com (with). For example: Eu não passo tempo com meus amigos. If you’re talking about an activity or a place, you might use em or no/na. For instance: Ela não passa muito tempo na academia. If you want to emphasize that you aren't spending *any* time at all, you can add nenhum (none) at the end: Ele não passa tempo nenhum em casa. It’s like saying 'He spends zero time at home,' but with a bit more dramatic flair. Don't forget that passar is a regular -ar verb, so it follows the standard conjugation patterns you learned in your first week of Portuguese. Easy, right? Just don't try to use it for money, or you'll sound like you're trying to 'pass' a twenty-dollar bill through a sieve.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you’re grabbing a coffee with a friend who has been 'ghosting' the group chat lately. You might say, 'Cara, você não passa tempo com a gente há meses!' (Dude, you haven't spent time with us in months!). It’s a gentle nudge to get them back into the social circle. Or think about a job interview on Zoom where the recruiter asks about your work-life balance. You could say, 'Eu procuro uma empresa onde eu não passe tempo apenas trabalhando, mas também aprendendo.' (I’m looking for a company where I don't just spend time working, but also learning). In the world of social media, you might see a post from an influencer doing a 'digital detox' saying, 'Decidi não passar tempo no celular este final de semana.' (I decided not to spend time on my phone this weekend). It’s also common in Netflix subtitles when a character is complaining about their neglected childhood: 'Meu pai não passava tempo comigo.' (My father didn't spend time with me). It’s everywhere, from the deep emotional scenes to the casual WhatsApp 'where are you?' messages.
When To Use It
This phrase is your go-to whenever there is a deficit of duration. Use it when you’re feeling neglected in a relationship or when you’re trying to set boundaries for yourself. It’s perfect for 'I-statements' during a heart-to-heart: 'Eu sinto que nós não passamos tempo de qualidade juntos.' It’s also great for describing habits or lifestyle changes. If you’ve recently quit a gaming addiction, you can proudly tell your friends that you não passa tempo jogando Fortnite até às 3 da manhã anymore. It works well in professional settings too, specifically when discussing efficiency. You might explain to your boss that you não passa tempo em reuniões desnecessárias because you prefer deep work. Basically, if there’s a clock involved and you’re not using it for a specific person or thing, this phrase is your best friend. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your social schedule.
When NOT To Use It
Stop right there! Before you go 'passing' time everywhere, there are some places this phrase just doesn't belong. Do not use não passar tempo when you mean you are 'wasting' time. If you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for a slow website to load, you are perdendo tempo (losing/wasting time). Using não passar there would sound like you are choosing not to spend time in traffic, which... okay, that’s true, but it’s not how a native would say it. Also, avoid using it for specific durations of 'taking' time. If a cake takes 40 minutes to bake, you don't say it não passa tempo. You’d say it leva (takes) or demora (delays/takes) time. Lastly, don't confuse it with gastar tempo. While you *can* say gastar tempo, it’s usually reserved for the technical act of consuming time as a resource (like a computer process) or when it feels like an effort. Passar is the emotional, social, and natural flow. Using passar for a boring tax audit is like trying to use a silk ribbon to tow a truck—it's too delicate for the job.
Common Mistakes
The biggest trap for English speakers is the 'Spend vs. Pass' dilemma. In English, we spend time, spend money, and spend energy. In Portuguese, we gastamos money, but we passamos time.
- ✗ Eu não gasto tempo com você → ✓ Eu não passo tempo com você.
Saying gastar tempo with a person sounds like they are an expense or a chore, like paying your electric bill. Unless you want your partner to feel like a utility bill, stick to passar.
Another mistake is forgetting the preposition com.
- ✗ Eu não passo tempo meus amigos → ✓ Eu não passo tempo COM meus amigos.
Without the com, it sounds like you are literally trying to hand a clock to your friends. Also, watch out for the 'No vs. Não' confusion. Always use não before the verb.
- ✗ Eu passo no tempo → ✓ Eu não passo tempo.
It might seem small, but these little tweaks are what separate the tourists from the locals. Think of it like putting salt in your coffee—technically it's a seasoning, but it’s definitely the wrong one.
Similar Expressions
If you want to spice up your vocabulary, there are plenty of ways to say you aren't around. Não conviver is a bit more formal and refers to the act of living or interacting with a group. If you say you não convive with your coworkers, it means you don't really socialize with them outside of work tasks. Estar ausente (to be absent) is great for when you’re physically there but mentally in another galaxy. We all have that one friend who is ausente because they are too busy with their Kindle. Ficar longe (to stay far/away) is more about physical distance. If you não passa tempo in the kitchen, you are likely ficando longe of the stove. For a more modern, slangy vibe, you can use sumir (to disappear). 'Você sumiu!' is the classic way to tell someone they haven't been 'passing time' with the group. It’s like telling them they’ve become a social Bigfoot—rarely seen and possibly a myth.
Common Variations
You can tweak this phrase to change the intensity. Não passar quase nenhum tempo (to spend almost no time) adds that 'barely' nuance. It’s perfect for when you’re so busy you only see your bed for four hours a night. Passar pouco tempo (to spend little time) is a softer version, less of a complaint and more of a statement of fact. Then there’s the 'only' variation: Passar tempo apenas.... For example, 'Ele não passa tempo com a gente, passa tempo apenas no videogame.' This highlights a contrast in priorities. You can also change the 'time' part. Instead of just tempo, you can say tempo de qualidade (quality time) or tempo livre (free time). 'Eu não passo meu tempo livre estudando' (I don't spend my free time studying) is a relatable sentiment for anyone who prefers Netflix over textbooks. It’s like adjusting the volume on your favorite song—same tune, just different levels of impact.
Memory Trick
Think of time as a soccer ball (a 'bola de futebol'). In Brazil, the home of soccer, the most important thing is to 'passar a bola' (pass the ball) to your teammates. If you don't pass the ball, you aren't playing the game together. So, if you are não passando o tempo, you are essentially hogging the ball or not even on the field. You’re sitting on the bench while the game of life happens without you. To be part of the team (or the relationship), you HAVE to pass the ball. Time is the ball. Pass it! If you forget, just imagine a referee blowing a whistle at you because you’re standing still with the clock. Don't be the person who gets a red card for not passing the time!
Quick FAQ
Is 'não passar tempo' formal or informal?
It is generally neutral and can be used in almost any context, from a casual chat with a friend to a professional discussion about your daily routine or habits. You will find it in literature, movies, and everyday speech alike.
Can I say 'não gastar tempo' instead?
You can, but it changes the meaning to 'not consuming time as a resource' rather than the social act of spending time together. Use 'gastar' for tasks or efficiency, and 'passar' for people and experiences.
What is the difference between 'passar tempo' and 'perder tempo'?
'Passar tempo' is neutral and refers to the act of spending time, while 'perder tempo' means to waste time on something unproductive or annoying. You spend time with friends, but you waste time in traffic.
How do I conjugate 'passar' in the past tense?
For 'I didn't spend time,' use 'Eu não passei tempo.' For 'He/She didn't spend time,' use 'Ele/Ela não passou tempo.' It follows the standard regular -ar verb conjugation in the pretérito perfeito.
Can I use this for social media usage?
Yes, it is very common to say 'Eu não passo muito tempo no celular' or 'no Instagram' to describe your digital habits or to explain why you didn't see a message.
Is there a slang version of this?
The word 'sumir' (to disappear) is often used as a slangy way to tell someone they haven't been spending time with you. 'Você sumiu!' is a very common friendly accusation.
Can I use 'não passar tempo' for hobbies?
Absolutely. 'Eu não passo muito tempo praticando violão' means you haven't been spending much time practicing guitar lately. It works for any activity that requires a duration of focus.
What preposition follows 'passar tempo' when talking about people?
You should always use the preposition 'com' (with). For example, 'Eu não passo tempo com meu irmão.' Leaving it out is a very common mistake for beginners.
How do I say 'I don't have time' instead?
You would say 'Eu não tenho tempo.' While 'não passar tempo' refers to the *action* of spending it, 'não tenho tempo' refers to the *availability* or possession of time.
Is it 'passar o tempo' or just 'passar tempo'?
Both are used, but 'passar o tempo' often implies 'killing time' or passing time in a general sense, while 'passar tempo com...' is more specific to the activity or person.
Can I use it for 'spending' a holiday?
Yes, you can say 'Eu não passei o Natal com a minha família' to mean you didn't spend Christmas with them. It works perfectly for holidays and vacations.
What's the opposite of 'não passar tempo'?
The opposite is simply 'passar tempo' (to spend time) or 'aproveitar o tempo' (to make the most of the time/enjoy the time).
Does it sound rude to say 'Eu não quero passar tempo com você'?
Yes, it is quite direct and could be hurtful. It's essentially saying 'I don't want to spend time with you.' Unless you're in a movie argument, you might want to be more subtle.
How do I say 'quality time' in Portuguese?
You say 'tempo de qualidade.' So, 'não passar tempo de qualidade' means you aren't spending meaningful or focused time together, even if you are physically present.
Can I use 'não passar tempo' for work?
Yes, you can say 'Eu não passo muito tempo no escritório' if you work remotely or travel a lot for your job. It describes your physical presence at the workplace.
Is 'não passar tempo' used in Portugal and Brazil?
Yes, it is a standard expression used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, although the 'vibe' of social time might differ slightly between cultures.
How would I say 'Stop wasting my time' using this verb?
You wouldn't use 'passar' for that. You would say 'Pare de perder meu tempo!' or 'Não me faça perder tempo!' 'Passar' is too gentle for a command like that.
Can I use 'não passar tempo' in the future tense?
Sure! 'Eu não vou passar tempo com ele' means 'I am not going to spend time with him.' It's a great way to state your future plans or lack thereof.
What if I want to say I spend 'too much' time?
You would say 'passar tempo demais.' For example, 'Eu não passo tempo demais no trabalho.' This is a common way to talk about work-life balance or obsessions.
Is there a difference between 'tempo' and 'hora' in this context?
Yes. 'Tempo' is time in general (duration), while 'hora' usually refers to a specific time on the clock (e.g., 'What time is it?'). Always use 'tempo' for spending time.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and versatile. The biggest 'gotcha' is using 'gastar' instead of 'passar' for people, which sounds transactional and cold. Always remember the preposition 'com' for people and 'no/na' for devices or locations.
The 'Pass' Logic
Remember that time is shared, not spent. If you think of 'passing' a ball, you'll always choose 'passar' over 'gastar'.
Don't 'Gastar' your Boyfriend!
Saying 'não gasto tempo com meu namorado' makes him sound like a monthly subscription you cancelled. Use 'passar' to keep the love alive.
Emphasis with 'Nenhum'
To sound like a native in a dramatic argument, add 'nenhum' after 'tempo'. It's the ultimate 'zero time' mic drop.
The Ghosting Verb
In Brazil, if you 'não passa tempo' with the group, people will say 'Você sumiu!' (You disappeared!). It's a sign of a strong social fabric.
Exemples
10Eu não passo muito tempo em casa ultimamente.
I haven't been spending much time at home lately.
Uses 'em casa' to describe physical presence/habit.
Sinto que nós não passamos tempo de qualidade juntos.
I feel like we don't spend quality time together.
Adds 'de qualidade' to emphasize the depth of the interaction.
Decidi não passar tempo no celular hoje.
I decided not to spend time on my phone today.
Modern context regarding social media usage.
Eu valorizo empresas onde o funcionário não passa tempo demais em reuniões.
I value companies where the employee doesn't spend too much time in meetings.
Professional context using 'demais' for emphasis.
Meu primo não passa tempo com a gente desde que casou.
My cousin hasn't spent time with us since he got married.
Using 'com a gente' (with us) in a social context.
Os alunos não passam tempo suficiente na biblioteca.
The students do not spend enough time in the library.
Formal use of 'suficiente' (enough).
✗ Eu não gasto tempo com meus amigos → ✓ Eu não passo tempo com meus amigos.
I don't spend time with my friends.
Highlights the error of using 'gastar' (spend/consume) for social time.
✗ Ela não passa tempo a família → ✓ Ela não passa tempo COM a família.
She doesn't spend time with her family.
Shows the importance of the preposition 'com'.
Meu gato não passa tempo comigo, ele só quer o meu sachê.
My cat doesn't spend time with me, he just wants my food pouch.
Lighthearted use of the phrase for a pet.
Eu não passo tempo jogando videogame durante a semana.
I don't spend time playing video games during the week.
Gerund usage ('jogando') after the phrase.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct negation.
To negate the verb 'passar', you place 'não' directly before it.
Choose the correct verb for spending time.
In Portuguese, we 'pass' (passar) time, especially regarding duration or presence.
Choose the correct preposition.
When spending time 'with' someone, the preposition 'com' is required.
Complete the sentence about location.
'Academia' is feminine, so 'em + a' becomes 'na'.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is more natural for a social complaint?
'Passar tempo' is the standard way to express spending time socially.
Choose the correct meaning.
What does 'não passar tempo' usually imply in a relationship?
It refers to the absence of shared presence or quality interaction.
Find and fix the error.
While 'gastar' can be used for resources, 'passar' is the idiomatic choice for social media usage or daily habits.
Find and fix the error.
Since 'nós' is plural, the adjective 'juntos' must also be plural.
Translate this sentence to Portuguese.
The present perfect 'tenho passado' reflects an ongoing lack of time from the past until now.
Translate this sentence to Portuguese.
The imperfect 'passava' is used for recurring habits in the past.
Put the words in correct order.
'Nenhum' adds emphasis (zero time) and usually follows the noun 'tempo'.
Put the words in correct order.
When using two verbs, the negation 'não' typically precedes the infinitive that it's negating.
🎉 Score : /12
Aides visuelles
Formality and Vibe
Using 'sumir' instead of 'não passar tempo'.
Você sumiu, cara!
Standard everyday usage for friends/family.
Não passo muito tempo com eles.
Used in professional or clinical contexts.
O paciente não passa tempo ao ar livre.
Using 'conviver' or 'permanecer'.
O réu não convivia com a vítima.
Where you 'não passa tempo'
Family Home
Não passo tempo com meus pais.
Digital World
Não passar tempo no TikTok.
Office/Work
Não passo tempo no escritório.
Gym/Health
Não passo tempo na academia.
With Partner
Não passamos tempo juntos.
Passar vs. Gastar vs. Perder
Ways to Modify the Phrase
Frequency
- • Quase nunca
- • Raramente
- • Ultimamente
Intensity
- • Tempo demais
- • Tempo nenhum
- • Pouco tempo
Quality
- • Tempo de qualidade
- • Tempo produtivo
- • Tempo livre
Banque d exercices
12 exercicesEu ___ passo tempo com meu irmão.
To negate the verb 'passar', you place 'não' directly before it.
Ela não ____ tempo no escritório.
In Portuguese, we 'pass' (passar) time, especially regarding duration or presence.
Nós não passamos tempo ___ nossos pais.
When spending time 'with' someone, the preposition 'com' is required.
Ele não passa tempo ___ academia.
'Academia' is feminine, so 'em + a' becomes 'na'.
Which sentence is more natural for a social complaint?
'Passar tempo' is the standard way to express spending time socially.
What does 'não passar tempo' usually imply in a relationship?
It refers to the absence of shared presence or quality interaction.
Trouvez et corrigez l erreur :
Eu não gasto tempo com o Instagram.
While 'gastar' can be used for resources, 'passar' is the idiomatic choice for social media usage or daily habits.
Trouvez et corrigez l erreur :
Nós não passamos tempo de qualidade junto.
Since 'nós' is plural, the adjective 'juntos' must also be plural.
I haven't spent much time at home lately.
Indices : use present perfect (tenho passado), at home = em casa
The present perfect 'tenho passado' reflects an ongoing lack of time from the past until now.
My father didn't spend time with me when I was a child.
Indices : use imperfect past (passava), with me = comigo
The imperfect 'passava' is used for recurring habits in the past.
Arrangez les mots dans le bon ordre :
Cliquez sur les mots ci-dessus pour construire la phrase
'Nenhum' adds emphasis (zero time) and usually follows the noun 'tempo'.
Arrangez les mots dans le bon ordre :
Cliquez sur les mots ci-dessus pour construire la phrase
When using two verbs, the negation 'não' typically precedes the infinitive that it's negating.
🎉 Score : /12
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
20 questionsThe phrase is universally used across all Lusophone countries. However, the social emphasis on 'convívio' (living together) makes it a very frequent topic of conversation in Brazil, where family and social ties are extremely tight-knit. You will hear it in both European and Brazilian Portuguese without any change in basic meaning.
Yes, you can use it to describe where your time goes during the workday. For example, 'Eu não passo tempo respondendo e-mails inúteis' means you don't spend time on useless emails. It is a great way to talk about your professional habits and how you prioritize your tasks.
In this context, you must always use 'tempo' because it refers to the concept of duration and experience. 'Horas' usually refers to the specific time of day (like 3:00 PM) or a countable amount of time (like 'three hours'). If you say 'não passar horas', it sounds like you are avoiding specific clock markers rather than the experience itself.
It depends entirely on the context and your tone of voice. If you say it as a statement of fact about your schedule, it's neutral. However, if you say 'Eu não quero passar tempo com você', it is very blunt and can be seen as quite offensive or hurtful in a social setting. It's better to use more subtle excuses if you're trying to be polite.
To talk about a habit that no longer happens, use the Imperfeito: 'Eu não passava tempo com ele.' This implies that in the past, you didn't spend time with him regularly. If you want to talk about a specific event that didn't happen once, use the Pretérito Perfeito: 'Eu não passei tempo com ele ontem.'
Yes, adding the possessive 'meu' (my) makes it slightly more personal. For instance, 'Eu não passo meu tempo livre na frente da TV' means you don't spend your personal free time in front of the television. It emphasizes your personal choice and ownership over your schedule.
While there isn't a direct single-word equivalent, you can use verbs like 'ausentar-se' (to absent oneself) or 'afastar-se' (to move away), but these are much more formal. In casual conversation, 'não passar tempo' is already quite concise and natural for most speakers.
Absolutely! You can say 'O meu cão não passa tempo no jardim' if your dog prefers to stay indoors. It is a common way to describe the habits and locations of pets within a household, just as you would for humans.
The confusion comes from the English verb 'to spend', which applies to both money and time. Since 'gastar' is the direct translation for 'spending' money, learners naturally apply it to time as well. Portuguese makes a clear distinction between consuming a resource (gastar) and experiencing a duration (passar).
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional settings. You might say, 'Nós não passamos tempo suficiente discutindo o orçamento' to point out a lack of focus on a specific topic. It's a professional way to address time management and meeting priorities.
Be careful! That is a different idiom entirely. 'Não passa de hoje' means 'it won't go past today,' usually implying that something must be finished or decided by the end of the day. It has nothing to do with the social act of spending time with someone.
Yes, it's a staple in romantic ballads and Bossa Nova or MPB (Música Popular Brasileira). Lyrics often lament about lovers who 'não passam mais tempo' together or who are 'ausentes' (absent) from each other's lives. It's a very poetic way to describe distance in a relationship.
Yes, you can follow it with a gerund (verb ending in -ndo) to specify the activity. For example, 'Eu não passo tempo lendo' (I don't spend time reading). This is a very common structure for describing how you do—or don't—occupy your hours.
The most natural way is to add 'nenhum' after 'tempo'. So, 'Eu não passo tempo nenhum com ele' literally means 'I spend no time at all with him.' It's more emphatic and common than saying 'zero tempo,' which sounds a bit robotic.
'Convívio' is the act of living or being with others in a shared space. Because Portuguese culture values collective experiences, 'não passar tempo' is often seen as a failure to maintain the 'convívio,' which is the social glue of families and friend groups.
Yes, adding the article 'o' (the) is common. 'Não passar o tempo com a família' is virtually the same as 'não passar tempo com a família.' The meaning doesn't change significantly, though leaving the article out is slightly more common when talking about general habits.
Yes, many Portuguese-language authors use this phrase to describe the alienation of characters or the breakdown of social structures. It's a fundamental expression for describing human interaction—or the lack of it—in any narrative context.
Yes, you can say 'Eu não passei as férias na praia.' This means you didn't spend your holidays at the beach. It's the standard way to talk about where you were during a specific period of time like a holiday or trip.
You simply add the word 'suficiente' (enough) after 'tempo'. So, 'Ele não passa tempo suficiente com os filhos' means he doesn't spend enough time with his children. This is a very common way to express a critique or a need for more attention.
Absolutely. It's one of the most common modern uses. 'Eu não passo muito tempo no celular' is the standard way to say you don't use your phone much. It's a key phrase for discussing digital wellbeing and screen time in Portuguese today.
Expressions liées
perder tempo
related topicto waste time
While 'não passar tempo' is an absence of action, 'perder tempo' is a negative action on something useless.
gastar tempo
related topicto consume/spend time (resource)
Learners often confuse these, but 'gastar' is for technical or effort-based duration rather than social flow.
conviver
formal versionto socialize / to live together
This verb encompasses the deeper social meaning behind 'passar tempo' in a more sophisticated way.
estar presente
antonymto be present
Being present is the emotional and physical state of successfully 'passing time' with quality.
sumir
informal versionto disappear
In Brazilian slang, if you 'não passa tempo' with people, they will say you 'sumiu' from the group.
