Meaning
A polite invitation for someone to enter.
Cultural Background
In Spain, it is common to repeat the word for emphasis: 'Pasa, pasa'. It makes the invitation feel more insistent and warm. Mexicans often use 'Pásale' or 'Pásale, marchante' (in markets). The 'le' doesn't have a grammatical object; it's a 'leísmo' of courtesy that softens the command. In Argentina, due to 'voseo', the stress changes to 'Pasá' (with an accent on the last 'a').
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany 'Pasa, por favor' with an open-palm gesture toward the interior. It's culturally expected.
The 'Usted' Rule
If you are in a shop or office, always default to 'Pase' unless the other person is much younger than you.
Meaning
A polite invitation for someone to enter.
The Hand Gesture
Always accompany 'Pasa, por favor' with an open-palm gesture toward the interior. It's culturally expected.
The 'Usted' Rule
If you are in a shop or office, always default to 'Pase' unless the other person is much younger than you.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to invite your best friend into your room.
¡Hola, Diego! ____, por favor.
Since Diego is a friend, we use the informal 'tú' imperative form 'Pasa'.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a doctor inviting a patient into the office?
The doctor says:
In a professional medical setting, the formal 'Usted' form (Pase) is expected.
Match the phrase to the number of people being invited.
You are inviting three friends into your house.
'Pasen' is the plural imperative used for groups.
Complete the dialogue at the supermarket line.
Person A: 'Tengo pocos artículos.' Person B: 'No hay problema. ____, por favor.'
With a stranger in public, 'Pase' (formal) is the safest and most polite choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say Pasa vs Pase
Pasa (Informal)
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Children
Pase (Formal)
- • Boss
- • Elderly
- • Strangers
Practice Bank
4 exercises¡Hola, Diego! ____, por favor.
Since Diego is a friend, we use the informal 'tú' imperative form 'Pasa'.
The doctor says:
In a professional medical setting, the formal 'Usted' form (Pase) is expected.
You are inviting three friends into your house.
'Pasen' is the plural imperative used for groups.
Person A: 'Tengo pocos artículos.' Person B: 'No hay problema. ____, por favor.'
With a stranger in public, 'Pase' (formal) is the safest and most polite choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, with very close friends or family, but 'por favor' adds a layer of warmth that is very common in Spanish.
'Entra' (Enter) is more direct. 'Pasa' is more common for general hospitality.
Yes, it is universally understood, though regional variations like 'Pásale' exist.
Use 'Pasen, por favor' in Latin America or 'Pasad, por favor' in Spain.
Yes, if someone starts talking at the same time as you, you can say 'Pasa, por favor' (or more commonly 'Sigue' or 'Dime').
It's not necessarily rude among friends, but it can sound like a command rather than an invitation.
Related Phrases
Adelante
synonymForward / Go ahead
Bienvenido
similarWelcome
Siéntate
builds onSit down
