Meaning
To disregard something or someone, showing indifference or disinterest.
Cultural Background
The term 'pasota' became a cultural archetype in the 80s, representing a person who is indifferent to social and political issues. It's a key word to understand the post-dictatorship transition. While 'pasar de' is understood, Mexicans often use 'no pelar' (literally: not to peel) to mean ignoring someone. In Argentina, 'ningunear' is a powerful verb used to describe treating someone as if they were 'nobody' (ninguno), which is a more active form of 'pasar de'. In many regions, 'pasar de' can sound very 'Spanish' (from Spain). If you want to sound more local in the Americas, 'ignorar' or 'no hacer caso' are safer bets.
The 'Olímpicamente' trick
If you want to sound 100% native when complaining about being ignored, add 'olímpicamente'. It's the most common pairing.
Careful with 'Paso'
Saying just 'Paso' when someone offers you food is fine, but saying it when someone asks for help can sound very rude.
Meaning
To disregard something or someone, showing indifference or disinterest.
The 'Olímpicamente' trick
If you want to sound 100% native when complaining about being ignored, add 'olímpicamente'. It's the most common pairing.
Careful with 'Paso'
Saying just 'Paso' when someone offers you food is fine, but saying it when someone asks for help can sound very rude.
Regional variations
In Spain, it's everywhere. In Latin America, use it sparingly as it might sound like you're imitating a Spaniard.
Preposition check
Always remember: Pasar DE. If you use 'a' or 'con', the meaning changes completely.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and pronoun.
Mi ex-novio es muy antipático, siempre pasa ___ ___ (me).
We use 'de' + the prepositional pronoun 'mí'.
Which sentence is a natural way to decline a plan?
—¿Quieres ir a correr a las 6 de la mañana?
'Pasar de' + infinitive is the standard way to decline an activity.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the meanings:
These are the most common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural slang option.
A: ¿Has visto que el jefe está enfadado? B: Sí, pero yo ________, hoy es mi último día.
The speaker is expressing indifference toward the boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Pasar de vs. Pasar por
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi ex-novio es muy antipático, siempre pasa ___ ___ (me).
We use 'de' + the prepositional pronoun 'mí'.
—¿Quieres ir a correr a las 6 de la mañana?
'Pasar de' + infinitive is the standard way to decline an activity.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common variations of the phrase.
A: ¿Has visto que el jefe está enfadado? B: Sí, pero yo ________, hoy es mi último día.
The speaker is expressing indifference toward the boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the context. With friends, it's normal. With a boss or a stranger, it's quite dismissive and rude.
Absolutely not. Use 'no tengo experiencia en' or 'no estoy familiarizado con' instead.
'Ignorar' is neutral and formal. 'Pasar de' is informal and suggests a 'don't care' attitude.
No, you can just say 'Yo paso' (I'll pass) as a complete sentence.
It is understood everywhere due to Spanish media, but it is much more common in Spain.
Yes, if followed by a clause: 'Paso de que me digas lo que tengo que hacer'.
It means to have a carefree or indifferent attitude toward life and responsibilities.
Yes, but adults use it frequently in casual settings too.
Yes, 'Paso del postre' is a very common way to decline dessert.
'Interesarse por' or 'hacer caso'.
Related Phrases
Hacer el vacío
similarTo give someone the silent treatment
Sudársela algo a alguien
synonymTo not give a damn
No hacer ni caso
synonymTo not pay any attention
Pasar por el aro
contrastTo give in / To jump through hoops
