pasar lista
/pasaɾ lista/from spelling rules
To call roll in Spanish is pasar lista.
This phrase is used in educational and professional settings to verify the presence of students or employees.
Meaning: to make a roll call (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb pasar (to pass/to go through) and the noun lista (list).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone called roll in the past tense, you change the verb to the preterite form pasó.
How do you pronounce it?
/pasaɾ lista/
Did you know?
- While pasar lista means 'to call roll', the word lista also means 'smart' or 'clever' when used as an adjective. A student who is lista might be the first one to answer during the roll call.
- In some Latin American countries, you might hear teachers say they are going to tomar lista instead of pasar lista.
- The verb pasar comes from the Latin passus, meaning 'step'. This links the act of 'passing' a list to the physical action of stepping through a sequence of names.
Examples in context
- Es hora de tomar asistencia. Por favor, indiquen si están presentes.It is time to call roll. Please indicate if you are present.
- La profesora va a pasar lista ahora mismo. Estén atentos y respondan presente.The teacher is going to call roll right now. Pay attention and respond present.
- Vamos a hacer la lista para saber quiénes están aquí. ¡Di presente cuando escuches tu nombre!We are going to call roll to see who is here. Say present when you hear your name!
- Nos toca checar quiénes están hoy. Si estás aquí, avísanos.It is our turn to check who is here today. If you are here, let us know.
- Vamos a verificar quiénes están en el salón de clases. Si estás presente, levanta la mano.We are going to check who is in the classroom. If you are present, raise your hand.
- El profesor va a pasar lista ahora.The teacher is going to call roll now.
- No olvides pasar lista al principio de la clase.Don't forget to call roll at the beginning of the class.
- ¿Puedes pasar lista de los alumnos, por favor?Can you call the students' roll, please?
Example conversation
In a high school classroom before the lesson starts.
- JavierMaría, ¿puedes pasar lista hoy?María, can you call roll today?
- MaríaSí, Javier, lo haré en un momento.Yes, Javier, I will do it in a moment.
- JavierGracias, es importante saber quién falta.Thank you, it is important to know who is missing.
- MaríaTienes razón, ya voy a empezar.You are right, I am going to start now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “call roll” translations and entries pasar lista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lista, pasar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
