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B1 verb #12,000 most common 10 min read

pasmar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips pasmar in 30 Seconds

Explanation pasmar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'pasmar' yet, as it is a bit advanced. However, you might see its past participle 'pasmado' in very simple stories or cartoons to show a character who is very surprised. Think of it as a much stronger version of 'muy sorprendido' (very surprised). At this stage, just remember that if someone looks like a statue because they saw something incredible, they are 'pasmados.' You might hear a teacher say 'No te quedes pasmado' if you are staring into space and not doing your work. It is a word about being 'frozen' by a feeling. For now, focus on simpler words like 'sorpresa' or 'asombro,' but keep 'pasmar' in the back of your mind for when you want to describe a shock that makes you stop moving. It is like when you see a giant cake or a very fast car and you just stand there with your mouth open. That physical feeling of being unable to move or speak is what 'pasmar' is all about. It is a fun word because it sounds a bit like 'spasm' in English, which helps you remember that it's about a reaction in your body. Even though it's a B1 word, knowing it now will make you sound very smart!

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'pasmar' and its reflexive form 'pasmarse' in basic readings. You are moving beyond simple 'yes/no' emotions and starting to describe how things make you feel. 'Pasmar' is useful for describing extreme reactions. For example, if you see a beautiful sunset, you might say 'Me pasma esta vista' (This view stuns me). You should also learn the common phrase 'quedarse pasmado,' which means 'to be left stunned.' This is very common when talking about news or surprising events. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'sorprender' (to surprise) and 'pasmar' (to astound). If a friend gives you a gift, you are 'sorprendido.' If a friend tells you they won the lottery and are buying you a house, you are 'pasmado.' It's all about the intensity of the feeling. You might also encounter the word in descriptions of people who are a bit slow or distracted, known as 'un pasmado.' Just remember to use 'estar' for the feeling and 'ser' for the personality trait. This distinction is a great way to practice your 'ser' and 'estar' rules while learning a more sophisticated verb.

As a B1 learner, 'pasmar' is a key addition to your vocabulary. It allows you to express shock, awe, and amazement with more precision than 'sorprender.' You should be comfortable using it in both its transitive form ('La noticia nos pasmó') and its pronominal form ('Nos pasmamos con la noticia'). At this level, you are expected to understand the nuance that 'pasmar' often implies a physical reaction—being 'frozen' or 'speechless.' You will see this word in intermediate Spanish literature, news reports, and more formal conversations. It is also important to understand the adjective 'pasmado' and how it can be used to describe someone who is acting 'dumb' or 'clueless.' This dual meaning—astounded vs. slow—is a common feature of Spanish vocabulary that you should start to master. You can use 'pasmar' to add variety to your writing and speaking, especially when discussing art, nature, or unexpected events. Practice using it with prepositions like 'ante' or 'con' to describe what is causing the amazement. For example, 'Me pasmo ante su inteligencia' (I am stunned by his intelligence). This word will help you sound more like a native speaker who can express deep emotions.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'pasmar' and be able to use it in various registers. You should understand its etymological roots (from Latin 'spasmus') and how that informs its meaning of being 'paralyzed' by emotion. You can use 'pasmar' in more complex grammatical structures, such as the passive voice or in the subjunctive mood: 'Me sorprende que te pasmes por algo tan simple' (It surprises me that you are stunned by something so simple). You should also be aware of regional variations, such as its use in some parts of Latin America to describe food that stops cooking or plants that stop growing. At this level, you can also explore the noun 'pasmo,' which means 'amazement' or 'awe,' and the adverb 'pasmosamente,' meaning 'astonishingly.' Using these related words will demonstrate a high level of linguistic flexibility. You should be able to compare 'pasmar' with other high-level synonyms like 'estupefactar' or 'obnubilar' and choose the one that best fits the context. Whether you are writing an essay about a historical event or discussing a film with friends, 'pasmar' provides a powerful way to convey the impact of the extraordinary on the human mind.

For C1 learners, 'pasmar' is a tool for stylistic precision. You should be able to use it to create specific atmospheric effects in your writing. For instance, you might use it to describe the 'pasmo' (awe) of a character facing the sublime in nature, drawing on the word's literary heritage. You should be fully aware of the subtle differences between 'pasmar,' 'asombrar,' 'maravillar,' and 'sobrecoger.' While 'pasmar' emphasizes the 'frozen' state of the observer, 'sobrecoger' adds a layer of being 'overwhelmed' or 'moved' emotionally. You should also be comfortable using 'pasmar' in its more technical or archaic senses if the context requires it, such as in medical or historical texts. Your understanding of the word should include its use in idiomatic expressions across the Spanish-speaking world, and you should be able to identify when it is being used ironically. At this level, you are not just using the word to communicate a basic idea; you are using it to convey nuance, tone, and cultural depth. You might use the phrase 'quedarse pasmado' to describe a political state of paralysis or an economic deadlock, showing how the word can be applied metaphorically to abstract concepts.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'pasmar' should be absolute. You should be able to appreciate its use in the works of great Spanish-language authors, from the Golden Age to the present day, noting how its meaning and usage have evolved. You understand the deep psychological implications of the word—how it represents a moment where the ego is silenced by the magnitude of an external stimulus. You can use 'pasmar' and its derivatives in any context, from the most formal academic discourse to the most colloquial street slang, always with perfect control over the register. You are aware of the rarest meanings of the word, such as its application in old medical treatises or specific agricultural dialects. Furthermore, you can use the word to play with language, perhaps using it in puns or complex metaphors. For a C2 speaker, 'pasmar' is more than just a verb; it is a part of the rich tapestry of the Spanish language that allows for the expression of the deepest human experiences of wonder and shock. You can discuss the phonetics of the word, its rhythmic quality in poetry, and its ability to capture a specific type of stillness that other languages might struggle to translate so concisely.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

pasmar in 30 Seconds

Pasmar is a Spanish verb meaning to astound or stun someone, often leaving them speechless or motionless due to intense surprise or shock.
It is commonly used reflexively as 'pasmarse' or in the phrase 'quedarse pasmado' to describe one's own state of being completely dumbfounded.
Beyond emotional shock, it can also refer to being chilled by cold or a sudden stop in a physical process like cooking or growing.
It is a B1 level word that adds emotional depth and precision compared to the more common and milder verb 'sorprender'.

The Spanish verb pasmar is a sophisticated and evocative word that describes the act of causing someone to be completely stunned, amazed, or dumbfounded. While English speakers might reach for words like 'amaze' or 'astound,' pasmar carries a deeper connotation of being physically or mentally paralyzed by shock or wonder. It is derived from the same root as the English word 'spasm,' suggesting a sudden, involuntary reaction that leaves one motionless. In its most common usage, it describes a state where an individual is so overwhelmed by information, a sight, or an event that they are momentarily unable to speak or act. This verb is particularly powerful because it bridges the gap between psychological surprise and physical stillness. When you say someone was 'pasmado,' you are implying they were turned into a statue by what they witnessed.

Emotional Intensity: It indicates a level of shock that is higher than 'sorprender' (to surprise) and more akin to 'dejar de piedra' (to leave someone like stone).

La noticia de su renuncia logró pasmar a todo el consejo de administración, que no esperaba tal decisión.

Beyond the emotional realm, pasmar also has a physical application. In older or more regional contexts, it can refer to the effect of extreme cold on the body or the cooling of something too quickly. For example, 'pasmarse' can mean to get a chill or for a wound to become inflamed due to sudden temperature changes. However, for a B1 learner, the primary focus should be on its use as a synonym for 'to astound.' You will encounter this word in literature, high-level journalism, and dramatic storytelling where the narrator wants to emphasize the gravity of a situation. It is not a word you would use for a small, pleasant surprise; rather, it is reserved for the monumental, the unexpected, and the breathtaking.

Physical State: In some medical or colloquial contexts, it refers to a sudden chill or a state of being frozen from cold, though this is less common in modern urban speech.

In modern social settings, the pronominal form pasmarse is frequently used to describe someone who becomes 'stuck' or 'frozen' due to nerves, such as a performer on stage or a student during an oral exam. This nuance is crucial for understanding conversational Spanish in Spain and Latin America, where 'quedarse pasmado' is a common idiomatic expression for being left speechless.

Al ver el precio del coche, se pasmó y no supo qué decir al vendedor.

Literary Usage: Authors use this verb to describe the awe felt before nature or the divine, emphasizing the insignificance of the observer.

La inmensidad del Gran Cañón suele pasmar a los turistas que lo visitan por primera vez.

Su habilidad para tocar el piano a tan corta edad pasmó a los jueces del concurso.

Using pasmar effectively requires understanding its two main grammatical patterns: the transitive use (to amaze someone) and the pronominal use (to be amazed). In the transitive form, the structure is [Subject] + pasmar + [Object]. For instance, 'El truco de magia pasmó a los niños' (The magic trick amazed the children). Here, the trick is the active agent causing the state of amazement. This is a formal and very clear way to assign cause and effect. However, in daily conversation, you are more likely to encounter the pronominal form pasmarse, often used as 'quedarse pasmado'. This emphasizes the state of the person rather than the cause.

Transitive Pattern: The subject is the thing or event that causes the shock. Example: 'Su belleza me pasmó'.

Me pasmó ver cuánta gente asistió al funeral del poeta.

When you want to describe yourself being stunned, you use the reflexive pronouns: me pasmo, te pasmas, se pasma, etc. For example, 'Me pasmo cada vez que leo sobre el universo' (I am amazed every time I read about the universe). It is important to note that while 'sorprenderse' is a general surprise, 'pasmarse' implies a deeper, more paralyzing effect. If someone tells you a secret, you might be 'sorprendido,' but if they tell you they are moving to Mars tomorrow, you would be 'pasmado.'

Reflexive Pattern: Focuses on the internal state of the person feeling the emotion. Example: 'Se pasmó al ver el desorden'.

No te pasmes si te digo que he ganado la lotería.

Another common construction is using the past participle pasmado as an adjective with the verbs 'quedar' or 'estar'. 'Me quedé pasmado' is perhaps the most frequent way to express 'I was dumbstruck.' This construction is very idiomatic and sounds natural in both Spain and Latin America.

Los espectadores se quedaron pasmados ante el final inesperado de la película.

Negative Contexts: It can also be used to describe someone who is slow or acting 'dumb' due to being distracted. 'No seas pasmado' means 'Don't be so slow/clueless.'

Juan es un poco pasmado; siempre tarda mucho en entender los chistes.

La frialdad de su respuesta me pasmó por completo.

You are most likely to encounter pasmar in contexts that involve high drama, artistic criticism, or formal narratives. In Spanish literature, authors use it to describe the reaction of characters to supernatural events or profound revelations. If you read a novel by Gabriel García Márquez or Isabel Allende, you might find characters who are 'pasmados' by a ghost or a sudden change in fortune. In the world of journalism, particularly in opinion pieces or cultural reviews, a critic might say that a performance 'pasmó al público' (astounded the audience). This elevates the praise from a simple 'it was good' to 'it was breathtaking.'

News Media: Headlines often use 'pasmar' to describe shocking economic figures or unexpected political scandals that leave the nation in awe.

El descubrimiento de las ruinas antiguas pasmó a la comunidad científica internacional.

In television series and movies, especially those in the mystery or thriller genres, you will hear characters say 'Me quedé pasmado' when they witness a crime or a plot twist. It serves as a linguistic cue that the character is experiencing a moment of total cognitive dissonance. In daily life, while 'sorprender' is much more common, using 'pasmar' shows a higher level of vocabulary and emotional precision. A parent might tell a child, 'Me pasma tu mala educación,' using the word to convey a sense of being 'shocked beyond belief' by the child's behavior.

Art and Music: Used to describe the effect of a masterpiece. A painting can 'pasmar' the viewer with its detail and light.

Su capacidad para hablar diez idiomas pasma a cualquiera que lo conozca.

Me pasma que todavía no hayas terminado los deberes después de tres horas.

Historical Context: In historical accounts, you might find descriptions of people being 'pasmados' by new technologies like the first trains or airplanes.

La rapidez con la que se propagó el virus pasmó a las autoridades sanitarias.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with pasmar is confusing it with the simple verb 'sorprender'. While they are related, 'sorprender' is neutral—you can be surprised by a small gift or a phone call. Pasmar is much more intense. If you use it for a minor event, you will sound overly dramatic or ironic. Another common error is failing to use the pronominal form when describing one's own state. Saying 'Yo pasmé' is incorrect; it should be 'Me pasmé' or 'Me quedé pasmado.' The verb requires that reflexive pronoun to indicate that the action is reflecting back on the speaker's emotional state.

Reflexive Pronoun Omission: Incorrect: 'Pasmé cuando vi el oso'. Correct: 'Me pasmé cuando vi el oso'.

No debes pasmarte por cosas tan insignificantes como un pequeño error gramatical.

Another mistake is related to the secondary meaning of 'cold.' Learners might try to use 'pasmar' to mean 'to freeze' in a literal sense (like ice), but 'congelar' is the correct term for that. 'Pasmar' in terms of cold refers to the effect on skin or a wound, or the feeling of being chilled to the bone, not the physical state of water turning to ice. Furthermore, be careful with the adjective 'pasmado.' If you call someone 'un pasmado,' you are calling them slow or a bit dim, which is quite different from saying they are currently 'amazed.' The context of 'estar' vs. 'ser' is vital here. 'Él es un pasmado' (He is a slow person) vs. 'Él está pasmado' (He is currently astounded).

Ser vs. Estar: Using 'ser' with 'pasmado' describes a personality trait (cluelessness), while 'estar' describes a temporary state of shock.

La noticia me dejó tan pasmado que no pude reaccionar a tiempo para ayudar.

Preposition Choice: We usually say 'pasmarse ante' (to be amazed before/at) or 'pasmarse con' (to be amazed with/by).

Se pasmó ante la majestuosidad de la catedral gótica.

If you want to vary your vocabulary, there are several synonyms for pasmar, each with its own flavor. The most common is asombrar, which is a very close synonym meaning 'to amaze.' However, 'asombrar' is slightly more common in everyday speech and less dramatic than 'pasmar.' Another alternative is maravillar, which focuses on the positive side of amazement—feeling wonder or being 'marveled' by something beautiful. If the shock is negative or confusing, estupefactar (to make someone stupefied) or aturdir (to stun or daze) might be more appropriate.

Asombrar vs. Pasmar: Asombrar is the standard 'to amaze.' Pasmar is 'to amaze to the point of paralysis.'

La tecnología actual nos sigue asombrando cada día más.

For more colloquial settings, the phrase dejar de piedra (to leave someone like stone) is a perfect substitute for 'pasmar.' It conveys the exact same feeling of being frozen by shock. Similarly, dejar boquiabierto (to leave open-mouthed) is a visual way to express the same sentiment. In literature, you might see suspender used in the sense of 'suspending' someone's senses or thoughts due to awe.

Colloquial Alternatives: 'Quedarse de pasta de boniato' is a very funny, very Spanish (from Spain) idiom that means to be completely stunned.

Me quedé de piedra cuando me dijo que se casaba con mi ex-novio.

La elocuencia del orador maravilló a todos los presentes.

Stunned by Fear: If the shock is specifically due to fear, 'paralizar' or 'horrorizar' are more precise choices than 'pasmar'.

Su valentía ante el peligro nos dejó boquiabiertos.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Because it comes from the same root as 'spasm', the word literally implies that your muscles are reacting involuntarily to a shock, leaving you 'frozen' in a state of surprise.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pasˈmaɾ/

US /pɑsˈmɑr/

The stress is on the last syllable: pas-MAR.

Rhymes With

amar cantar hablar llegar mirar pensar saltar volar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z' (pazmar).
Stressing the first syllable (PAS-mar).
Aspirating the 'p' (releasing a puff of air).
Using a long English 'a' sound like in 'plate'.
Rolling the final 'r' too heavily (it should be a simple tap).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

It is easy to recognize in context but requires knowing its different meanings.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of reflexive pronouns and prepositions.

Speaking 4/5

Using it naturally instead of 'sorprender' marks a higher level of fluency.

Listening 3/5

Clearly pronounced but can be confused with similar sounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

sorprender asombro quedarse frío miedo

Learn Next

estupefacto sobrecoger obnubilar maravilla aturdir

Advanced

espasmódico patidifuso atónito pasmón pasmadura

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verbs for Emotions

Me pasmo (I am stunned) follows the same pattern as 'Me alegro' or 'Me sorprendo'.

Subjunctive after Emotional Verbs

Me pasma que *estés* aquí (It stuns me that you are here).

Past Participle as Adjective

Estoy pasmado (I am stunned) uses 'pasmado' to describe a state.

Transitive vs Intransitive

La noticia me pasmó (Transitive) vs Me pasmé (Reflexive/Intransitive).

Ser vs Estar with Adjectives

Es pasmado (He is a slow person) vs Está pasmado (He is stunned right now).

Examples by Level

Él está pasmado.

He is stunned.

Uses 'estar' to describe a temporary state.

¡Qué pasmo!

What a shock!

Using the noun 'pasmo' for exclamation.

No te pasmes.

Don't be stunned.

Negative imperative of 'pasmarse'.

Me pasma el frío.

The cold chills me.

Transitive use meaning 'to chill'.

Ella se pasmó.

She was stunned.

Preterite of the reflexive 'pasmarse'.

El gato está pasmado.

The cat is stunned.

Adjective 'pasmado' with 'estar'.

Me pasma tu dibujo.

Your drawing amazes me.

Subject (dibujo) + object (me) + verb.

Estamos pasmados.

We are stunned.

Plural form with 'estar'.

Me quedé pasmado al ver el regalo.

I was left stunned when I saw the gift.

'Quedarse' + past participle is very common.

Su voz me pasmó por completo.

Her voice completely stunned me.

Use of 'por completo' for emphasis.

No seas pasmado y ayúdame.

Don't be slow and help me.

'Ser' + pasmado means 'to be slow/clueless'.

Se pasmaron con la noticia del examen.

They were stunned by the news of the exam.

Reflexive 'se pasmaron' with preposition 'con'.

La película me pasmó un poco.

The movie stunned me a bit.

Quantifier 'un poco' softening the verb.

¡Me pasmas con tu inteligencia!

You amaze me with your intelligence!

Direct address using the present tense.

El niño se quedó pasmado mirando el mar.

The boy was left stunned looking at the sea.

Gerund 'mirando' describing the action while stunned.

Nos pasmó que llegaras tan temprano.

It stunned us that you arrived so early.

Use of 'que' + subjunctive (llegaras) after an emotional verb.

La belleza del paisaje suele pasmar a los turistas.

The beauty of the landscape usually stuns tourists.

'Suele' + infinitive for habitual actions.

Me pasma que todavía no sepas la verdad.

It stuns me that you still don't know the truth.

Verb of emotion + que + subjunctive.

Se pasmó ante la magnitud del desastre.

He was stunned before the magnitude of the disaster.

Preposition 'ante' is common with 'pasmarse'.

Es pasmoso cómo ha cambiado esta ciudad.

It is astonishing how this city has changed.

Adjective 'pasmoso' meaning 'astonishing'.

No te quedes ahí pasmado, ¡haz algo!

Don't just stand there stunned, do something!

Imperative + 'ahí' for physical location.

La noticia de su muerte pasmó al país entero.

The news of his death stunned the entire country.

Transitive use with a collective noun 'el país'.

Siempre me pasmo con las historias de mis abuelos.

I am always stunned by my grandparents' stories.

Present tense for a recurring feeling.

Sus palabras me dejaron pasmado y sin habla.

His words left me stunned and speechless.

Redundancy for emphasis: 'pasmado y sin habla'.

La frialdad con la que habló logró pasmar a la audiencia.

The coldness with which he spoke managed to stun the audience.

'Logró' + infinitive implies a result was achieved.

Me pasma la facilidad con la que mientes.

I am stunned by the ease with which you lie.

Abstract subject: 'la facilidad con la que mientes'.

Se pasmaron al descubrir el tesoro escondido.

They were stunned upon discovering the hidden treasure.

'Al' + infinitive for 'upon doing something'.

Su repentino éxito ha pasmado a sus competidores.

His sudden success has stunned his competitors.

Present perfect for a recent event.

No puedo evitar pasmarme ante tanto talento.

I can't help but be stunned before such talent.

'No puedo evitar' + infinitive.

La herida se pasmó por el frío de la noche.

The wound became inflamed/chilled by the night cold.

Technical/Regional use related to cold/inflammation.

Quedó pasmado al ver que su casa había desaparecido.

He was left stunned to see that his house had disappeared.

Past perfect 'había desaparecido' in a subordinate clause.

Es una obra que pasma por su nivel de detalle.

It is a work that stuns because of its level of detail.

Relative clause 'que pasma'.

La inmensidad del cosmos pasma la imaginación humana.

The immensity of the cosmos stuns the human imagination.

Metaphorical subject and object.

Se quedó pasmado de terror ante la aparición.

He was left stunned with terror before the apparition.

'De' + noun to indicate the cause of the state.

Me pasma que la sociedad ignore estos problemas.

It stuns me that society ignores these problems.

C1 level social commentary with subjunctive.

Su elocuencia era tal que pasmaba a sus detractores.

His eloquence was such that it stunned his detractors.

'Tal que' structure for result.

El frío pasmó los brotes jóvenes de la vid.

The cold stunted/chilled the young shoots of the vine.

Agricultural/Botanical use.

Fue un hallazgo que pasmó a los historiadores más veteranos.

It was a discovery that stunned the most veteran historians.

Superlative 'más veteranos'.

No te pasmes, que la vida sigue su curso.

Don't be stunned, for life goes on.

Use of 'que' as a causal conjunction (because/for).

La complejidad del sistema pasmó incluso a los ingenieros.

The complexity of the system stunned even the engineers.

Use of 'incluso' for emphasis.

El pasmo de la multitud era palpable en el aire.

The amazement of the crowd was palpable in the air.

Noun 'pasmo' as a subject.

Pasmó su voluntad con una sola mirada de desprecio.

He paralyzed her will with a single look of contempt.

Literary/Metaphorical use of 'pasmar' as 'to paralyze'.

La obra pasma por su audacia formal y conceptual.

The work stuns due to its formal and conceptual audacity.

Academic art criticism register.

Se pasmó el guiso por haber abierto la olla demasiado pronto.

The stew stopped cooking/chilled because the pot was opened too soon.

Regional culinary use.

Me pasma la desfachatez con la que reclama sus derechos.

I am stunned by the nerve with which he claims his rights.

High-level vocabulary: 'desfachatez'.

El autor busca pasmar al lector con giros argumentales inverosímiles.

The author seeks to stun the reader with implausible plot twists.

Literary analysis register.

Había quedado pasmado en un tiempo que ya no le pertenecía.

He had remained frozen in a time that no longer belonged to him.

Poetic use of 'pasmado' as 'frozen in time'.

Pasmaron la rebelión antes de que pudiera extenderse.

They stunned/stifled the rebellion before it could spread.

Figurative use meaning 'to stifle' or 'to halt'.

Common Collocations

pasmar de frío

quedarse pasmado

pasmar la imaginación

pasmar de susto

dejar pasmado

pasmarse ante

un niño pasmado

pasmarse de risa

pasmar la sangre

pasmado de admiración

Common Phrases

¡Me pasmas!

— You amaze me! (Used to express shock at someone's actions or words).

¡Me pasmas con tu falta de respeto!

Quedarse de pasta de boniato

— To be completely stunned or flabbergasted. (Spain).

Cuando vi el precio, me quedé de pasta de boniato.

Estar pasmado

— To be in a state of shock or to be a slow/clueless person.

Juan está pasmado hoy, no se entera de nada.

Pasmarse el corazón

— A literary way to say one's heart stopped or skipped a beat from shock.

Se le pasmó el corazón al oír el disparo.

No te quedes pasmado

— Don't just stand there doing nothing; react!

¡Ayúdame, no te quedes ahí pasmado!

Pasmo de alegría

— A state of being overwhelmed by happiness.

Sintió un pasmo de alegría al ver a su hijo.

Dejar pasmado al mundo

— To shock or amaze the whole world (often used in news).

Su invención ha dejado pasmado al mundo entero.

Quedar pasmado ante la evidencia

— To be speechless when faced with clear proof of something.

Quedó pasmado ante la evidencia de su error.

Parecer pasmado

— To look shocked or to look like a slow-witted person.

Pareces pasmado, ¿te ha pasado algo malo?

Un pasmo de asombro

— A sudden burst of amazement.

Un pasmo de asombro recorrió la sala.

Often Confused With

pasmar vs pasar

Sounds similar but means 'to pass' or 'to happen'. There is no connection in meaning.

pasmar vs parar

Means 'to stop'. While pasmar involves stopping, it is emotional, while parar is physical.

pasmar vs pasmado (as a noun)

Can mean a person who is slow-witted, which is different from being momentarily stunned.

Idioms & Expressions

"Quedarse de piedra"

— To be stunned or petrified with shock. Very common and synonymous with 'pasmarse'.

Cuando me dijo que se iba, me quedé de piedra.

informal

"Quedarse de pasta de boniato"

— To be extremely surprised or flabbergasted. Unique to Spain.

Me quedé de pasta de boniato cuando gané el premio.

colloquial

"Quedarse boquiabierto"

— To be left open-mouthed with surprise.

El truco de magia nos dejó boquiabiertos.

neutral

"Quedarse helado"

— To be frozen with shock or fear (related to the 'cold' sense of pasmar).

Se quedó helado al ver al fantasma.

neutral

"No dar crédito"

— To not believe what one is seeing or hearing; to be stunned.

No daba crédito a lo que estaba pasando.

neutral

"Faltarle un hervor"

— To be a bit slow or 'pasmado' in the sense of being dim-witted.

A ese chico le falta un hervor, es muy pasmado.

informal

"Caerse de espaldas"

— To be so surprised that you almost fall over.

Me caí de espaldas cuando vi la factura.

colloquial

"Estar en las nubes"

— To be distracted or 'pasmado' in the sense of not paying attention.

Siempre estás en las nubes, eres un pasmado.

informal

"Quedarse mudo"

— To be left speechless, a common result of being pasmado.

Se quedó mudo ante la acusación.

neutral

"Quedarse en blanco"

— To have one's mind go blank, often due to being 'pasmado' by nerves.

En el examen me quedé en blanco.

neutral

Easily Confused

pasmar vs asombrar

They both mean 'to amaze'.

Asombrar is more common and less intense. Pasmar implies being 'frozen' or 'speechless'.

Me asombra tu coche nuevo (I like your car). Me pasma tu coche nuevo (It's so incredible I can't move).

pasmar vs congelar

Both can mean 'to freeze'.

Congelar is for water/ice. Pasmar is for the effect of cold on skin or the sudden stop of a process.

El agua se congeló. El frío pasmó mis manos.

pasmar vs sorprender

Both involve surprise.

Sorprender is the neutral, everyday word. Pasmar is for extreme, paralyzing shock.

Me sorprendió tu llamada. Me pasmó tu traición.

pasmar vs aturdir

Both mean being 'stunned'.

Aturdir is more about confusion or being dazed by noise/impact. Pasmar is about awe or shock.

El golpe me aturdió. Su belleza me pasmó.

pasmar vs maravillar

Both involve amazement.

Maravillar is always positive (wonder). Pasmar can be positive, negative, or physical.

Me maravilla la naturaleza. Me pasma el horror de la guerra.

Sentence Patterns

Estar + pasmado

Juan está pasmado.

Quedarse + pasmado

Me quedé pasmado.

[Sujeto] + pasmar + a + [Persona]

El truco pasmó a los niños.

Pasmarse + con + [Algo]

Se pasmó con el regalo.

Me pasma que + [Subjuntivo]

Me pasma que no lo sepas.

Pasmarse + ante + [Concepto]

Se pasmó ante la inmensidad.

[Sujeto] + pasmar + [Objeto Abstracto]

La noticia pasmó su voluntad.

Pasmarse + [Proceso físico]

El guiso se pasmó por el frío.

Word Family

Nouns

pasmo (amazement/shock)

pasmado/a (a slow or stunned person)

Verbs

pasmar (to stun)

pasmarse (to be stunned)

Adjectives

pasmado (stunned/slow)

pasmoso (astonishing)

pasmante (stunning/amazing)

espasmo (spasm)

espasmódico (spasmodic)

paralizar (to paralyze)

asombrar (to amaze)

maravillar (to marvel)

How to Use It

frequency

Medium. It is less common than 'sorprender' but essential for B1+ levels.

Common Mistakes

Using 'pasmar' for a small surprise. → Use 'sorprender'.
Pasmar is too intense for things like a friend saying 'hello'. It's for big, life-changing or mind-blowing events.
Saying 'Yo pasmé' to mean 'I was stunned'. → Me pasmé.
Without the reflexive pronoun, it sounds like you were the one who stunned someone else.
Confusing 'pasmar' with 'pasar'. → N/A
They sound similar but 'pasar' is 'to pass/happen'. Don't say '¿Qué pasma?' when you mean '¿Qué pasa?'
Using 'ser pasmado' for a temporary state. → Estar pasmado.
'Ser pasmado' means you are a slow or clueless person by nature. 'Estar pasmado' means you are shocked right now.
Using 'pasmar' to mean 'to freeze water'. → Congelar.
Pasmar is for the effect of cold on living things or processes, not for making ice cubes.

Tips

Use it for Drama

If you want to sound more dramatic or expressive when telling a story, use 'me quedé pasmado' instead of 'me sorprendí'. It makes the listener realize the impact was huge.

Don't Forget the 'Me'

If you are describing your own feeling, you almost always need the reflexive pronoun. 'Me pasmé' is correct; 'Pasmé' sounds like you did it to someone else.

Learn the Adjective

'Pasmoso' is a great word for 'astonishing.' Use it to describe things like 'un éxito pasmoso' (an astonishing success).

Tap the R

The final 'r' in pasmar is a single tap of the tongue. Don't roll it like a double 'rr' unless you are emphasizing the word intensely.

Regional Awareness

In the Caribbean, be aware that 'pasmar' can refer to food or plants. If a chef says the rice 'se pasmó,' it means it didn't cook right.

Switch with 'De Piedra'

In Spain, 'quedarse de piedra' is the perfect colloquial equivalent. Using both will show you have a wide range of vocabulary.

Subjunctive Alert

When you say 'Me pasma que...', remember to use the subjunctive mood for the following verb. Example: 'Me pasma que *vengas*'.

The Statue Trick

Think of a 'pasmado' person as a statue. Both start with the idea of being frozen. A statue is 'pasmada' in time.

Listen for Tone

Often, 'pasmar' is said with a specific intonation of disbelief. The tone of the speaker will help you understand the intensity of the shock.

Pasmar vs Maravillar

Remember: Pasmar = Shock/Stun (Neutral/Negative/Positive). Maravillar = Wonder (Always Positive).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'Spasm'. If you have a 'spasm' of surprise, you might 'Pasmar' (stun) someone or 'Pasmarse' (be stunned) yourself. Both words start with 'pas'/'spa' sounds.

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking at a giant, glowing alien spaceship. Their jaw is open, their eyes are wide, and they are frozen like a statue. That person is 'pasmado'.

Word Web

Shock Surprise Frozen Speechless Amaze Astound Stun Dumbfounded

Challenge

Try to use 'pasmar' in a sentence today to describe a movie or a piece of news. For example: 'Me pasmó el final de la serie'.

Word Origin

From the Vulgar Latin *pasmare*, which comes from the Latin 'spasmus', and originally from the Greek 'spasmos' (σπασμός).

Original meaning: To suffer a spasm or a convulsion.

Indo-European (Romance)

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'un pasmado' can be offensive as it implies they are slow-witted or stupid. Use with caution.

The English equivalent 'to stun' or 'to astound' is similar, but 'pasmar' has a stronger connection to physical stillness.

Don Quijote de la Mancha (Cervantes often uses 'pasmo' to describe the knight's reactions). El pasmo de Sicilia (A famous painting by Raphael, though the title refers to Christ's fall). The movie 'El Caballero del Pasmo' (referring to a legendary figure).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Reacting to news

Me quedé pasmado con la noticia.
La noticia me pasmó.
Es un hecho que pasma a cualquiera.
No te pasmes por eso.

Art and Nature

El cuadro me pasmó por su colorido.
Te pasmarás al ver las montañas.
Una belleza que pasma los sentidos.
Quedó pasmado ante la escultura.

Personal Behavior

Me pasma tu atrevimiento.
No seas pasmado.
Se queda pasmado en mitad de la calle.
Es un poco pasmado para los negocios.

Physical Sensations

Me pasmo de frío aquí fuera.
Se le pasmaron las manos.
El agua fría me pasmó.
Cuidado, no te pasmes con la corriente.

Literature/Drama

El horror pasmó sus gritos.
Un silencio que pasmaba.
Pasmado de miedo, no pudo huir.
El destino pasmó sus planes.

Conversation Starters

"¿Alguna vez te has quedado pasmado por algo que viste en la televisión?"

"¿Qué lugar del mundo te ha pasmado más por su belleza natural?"

"¿Te pasma la rapidez con la que avanza la tecnología hoy en día?"

"¿Conoces a alguien que sea un poco pasmado y siempre llegue tarde?"

"¿Qué noticia reciente te ha dejado totalmente pasmado?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un momento de tu vida en el que te quedaste pasmado y no pudiste decir nada.

¿Qué cosas de la naturaleza te pasman más y por qué?

Escribe sobre una persona cuyo talento te haya pasmado alguna vez.

Reflexiona sobre si es mejor ser una persona que se pasma fácilmente o alguien impasible.

Imagina que ves algo increíble en la calle; describe la escena usando el verbo pasmar.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is common in both, but with different nuances. In Spain, 'quedarse pasmado' is a standard way to say you're stunned. In parts of Latin America, you might hear it more in agricultural or culinary contexts (like food cooling too fast).

Yes, you can! For example, 'Me pasmó la belleza del regalo.' However, 'maravillar' is more specifically positive, while 'pasmar' focuses on the intensity of the shock.

'Sorprendido' is just 'surprised.' 'Pasmado' is 'dumbfounded' or 'astounded.' It's like the difference between saying something is 'big' vs 'enormous.'

It is a regular -ar verb. Yo pasmé, tú pasmaste, él/ella pasmó, nosotros pasmamos, vosotros pasmasteis, ellos/ellas pasmaron.

Yes, you can say 'El frío pasmó las plantas' (The cold stunted the plants) or 'La noticia pasmó el mercado' (The news stunned the market).

It's slightly more formal than 'sorprender,' but it's used in everyday speech, especially in the reflexive form 'pasmarse' or the phrase 'quedarse pasmado.'

Yes, they share the same Greek root 'spasmos.' This helps explain why 'pasmar' implies a physical reaction where you can't move.

The noun is 'el pasmo,' which means 'amazement' or 'astonishment.' For example: 'Lo miraba con pasmo.'

Yes, this is a very common and correct way to say you are 'chilled to the bone' or 'frozen' from the cold.

It's a mild insult. It means someone is slow, clueless, or a 'space cadet.' Use it carefully!