Meaning
To occupy oneself with an activity or with others.
Cultural Background
The 'sobremesa' is the period after lunch where people 'pasan tiempo' talking for an hour or more. It is considered rude to leave immediately after eating. Family is central; 'pasar tiempo' with the extended family on Sundays (dominguear) is a vital cultural ritual involving food and parks. The culture of 'el mate' is designed specifically to 'pasar el tiempo' while chatting. The drink is a tool for social connection.
The Gerund Trick
To sound more natural, always follow 'pasar tiempo' with an -ando or -iendo verb.
Money vs Time
Never use 'gastar' for time unless you are intentionally saying you are 'wasting/consuming' it like a resource.
Meaning
To occupy oneself with an activity or with others.
The Gerund Trick
To sound more natural, always follow 'pasar tiempo' with an -ando or -iendo verb.
Money vs Time
Never use 'gastar' for time unless you are intentionally saying you are 'wasting/consuming' it like a resource.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
Yo ______ tiempo con mi perro en el parque.
'Pasar' is the correct verb for spending time in Spanish.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Me gusta pasar tiempo ____ mis amigos.
We use 'con' (with) when spending time with people.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Qué haces los domingos? B: ______ tiempo leyendo.
The speaker is talking about themselves (Yo).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell your partner you enjoy being with them.
This is the standard way to express enjoyment of someone's company.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Ways to Pasar Tiempo
With People
- • Con amigos
- • Con la familia
- • Con mi pareja
Doing Things
- • Leyendo
- • Cocinando
- • Viajando
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ______ tiempo con mi perro en el parque.
'Pasar' is the correct verb for spending time in Spanish.
Me gusta pasar tiempo ____ mis amigos.
We use 'con' (with) when spending time with people.
A: ¿Qué haces los domingos? B: ______ tiempo leyendo.
The speaker is talking about themselves (Yo).
You want to tell your partner you enjoy being with them.
This is the standard way to express enjoyment of someone's company.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, 'pasar el tiempo' is also correct and common, though 'pasar tiempo' is more frequent when followed by 'con' or 'en'.
It is neutral. It works in all settings from professional to very casual.
You say 'Paso tiempo solo' (masculine) or 'Paso tiempo sola' (feminine).
'Pasar el rato' is more like 'hanging out' or 'passing a short while'.
Yes, e.g., 'Paso mucho tiempo en la oficina'.
'Pasar tiempo' is the standard. 'Pasarse' is used for 'spending too much time' or when time 'passes by'.
Related Phrases
Pasar el rato
similarTo hang out / kill some time
Perder el tiempo
contrastTo waste time
Hacer tiempo
specialized formTo kill time (while waiting)
