Which one should you use?
You may choose between different verbs depending on what you want to emphasize. The phrase pasar la noche focuses on the duration of the night, whereas using the verb quedarse focuses on the act of remaining at the location.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to phrase this depending on the social context. For formal situations, you can use Disculpe, ¿podría pasar la noche aquí? or the indirect Me preguntaba si podría quedarme esta noche. A more polite and indirect way to ask is to use the conditional form ¿Podría pasar la noche? instead of ¿Puedo pasar la noche? In informal settings, you can say Oye, ¿me dejas pasar la noche? or ¿Puedo quedarme a dormir?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ¿Puedo quedarme a dormir? is a common alternative that focuses on the act of sleeping over.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, inviting someone to pasar la noche can sound more like an invitation to a romantic encounter than a simple request for a place to sleep.
- Spanish uses the verb quedarse for staying, which is a reflexive form of quedar. This means the speaker is literally 'staying themselves' at a location.
- The verb pasar in this context is etymologically linked to the English word 'pass', as both originate from the Latin word for 'a step'.
Examples in context
- Si no te importa, ¿puedo pasar la noche?If you don't mind, can I stay the night?
Example conversation
Lucía arrives late at Alejandro's apartment.
- LucíaHola Alejandro, ¿puedo pasar la noche?Hi Alejandro, can I stay the night?
- AlejandroClaro que sí, pasa adelante.Of course, come on in.
- LucíaMuchas gracias por ayudarme.Thank you so much for helping me.
- AlejandroNo hay problema, Lucía.No problem, Lucía.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, noche, pasar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
