Meaning
To not attract attention; to remain unobserved.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'pasar desapercibido' is often linked to the concept of 'discreción'. Being too flashy or 'fantoche' is often looked down upon in traditional social circles. In Mexican social dynamics, 'pasar desapercibido' can be a way to avoid 'el compromiso' (social obligation). If you aren't noticed, you don't have to stay and talk for an hour. Argentines often use 'perfil bajo' (low profile) as a synonym. While 'pasar desapercibido' is common, 'mantener un perfil bajo' is the preferred way to describe a lifestyle choice. The informal variation 'pasar piola' is widely understood in the Southern Cone (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay) and means to do something without being noticed or getting into trouble.
Agreement is Key
Always check the gender of the person you are talking about. If it's a woman, it's 'desapercibida'.
Don't use 'ser'
Saying 'Soy desapercibido' sounds like 'I am an unnoticed person' as a permanent trait, which is weird. Use 'paso' or 'suelo pasar'.
Meaning
To not attract attention; to remain unobserved.
Agreement is Key
Always check the gender of the person you are talking about. If it's a woman, it's 'desapercibida'.
Don't use 'ser'
Saying 'Soy desapercibido' sounds like 'I am an unnoticed person' as a permanent trait, which is weird. Use 'paso' or 'suelo pasar'.
Use with 'para'
To say 'unnoticed BY someone', use 'para'. Example: 'Pasó desapercibido para mí'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'desapercibido'.
Las espías intentaron pasar ________ entre la multitud.
The subject is 'Las espías' (feminine plural), so the adjective must be 'desapercibidas'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
The expression does not use 'por' or 'ser', and 'desapercibido' acts as an adjective, not an adverb.
Match the situation with the most likely use of the phrase.
A famous singer goes to a cafe wearing a wig and glasses.
The singer is trying to avoid being recognized, which is the definition of 'pasar desapercibida'.
Complete the dialogue.
Jefe: '¿Cómo es posible que nadie viera el error?' Empleado: 'Lo siento, señor. El error ________ para todo el equipo.'
The subject is 'El error' (masculine singular).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Pasar Desapercibido'
Social
- • Parties
- • Meetings
- • Crowds
Objects
- • Small errors
- • Subtle decor
- • Hidden doors
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLas espías intentaron pasar ________ entre la multitud.
The subject is 'Las espías' (feminine plural), so the adjective must be 'desapercibidas'.
Select the correct option:
The expression does not use 'por' or 'ser', and 'desapercibido' acts as an adjective, not an adverb.
A famous singer goes to a cafe wearing a wig and glasses.
The singer is trying to avoid being recognized, which is the definition of 'pasar desapercibida'.
Jefe: '¿Cómo es posible que nadie viera el error?' Empleado: 'Lo siento, señor. El error ________ para todo el equipo.'
The subject is 'El error' (masculine singular).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsEn la práctica, ninguna. Son sinónimos. 'Inadvertido' es un poco más formal.
Sí, por ejemplo: 'El detalle en el cuadro pasó desapercibido'.
No necesariamente. Puede ser positivo (ser discreto) o neutral.
Related Phrases
Pasar inadvertido
synonymTo go unnoticed.
Llamar la atención
contrastTo attract attention.
Hacerse el invisible
similarTo pretend to be invisible.
No romper un plato
builds onTo look like you wouldn't hurt a fly.
