pasa
/ˈpasa/
The English phrase 'it happens' can be translated into Spanish as pasa.
In Spanish, pasa is the most common way to say 'it happens' during daily conversation. It is used to suggest that worrying is not necessary.
Meaning: worrying is not necessary (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word pasa is the third-person singular form of the verb pasar, which literally means 'to pass' or 'to happen'.
Which one should you use?
While pasa is the most common way to say 'it happens' in daily conversation, sucede is a more formal synonym used in written or professional contexts. Acontece is a formal synonym for sucede to say 'It happens'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form pasa is used for the third-person singular, which covers both 'it happens' and 'he/she happens' (in certain contexts).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpasa/
Did you know?
- While pasa is a verb here, the identical word pasa is also the Spanish noun for a 'raisin'.
- The verb pasar is so versatile that pasa can also be a command inviting someone to 'come in' or 'enter' a room.
- In some regions, ¿Qué pasa? is used as a general greeting similar to 'What's up?', moving the word from a statement of fact to a social salutation.
Examples in context
- Eso pasa todo el tiempo.It happens all the time.This sentence uses pasa to show how frequently an event occurs.Tatoeba #3353734 by marcelostockle, translation #2020946 by Spamster
- Sí, pasa de vez en cuando.Yes, it happens from time to time.This sentence uses pasa to describe something happening occasionally.Tatoeba #1069990 by Shishir, translation #1919 by Swift
- No me importa si pasa o no.I don't care if it happens or not.This sentence uses pasa to express indifference regarding whether an event occurs.Tatoeba #11373164 by NicoLXVI, translation #3135972 by CK
- Sucede que algunos problemas requieren soluciones complejas.It happens that some problems require complex solutions.
- Acontece que el concierto se pospuso hasta la próxima semana.It happens that the concert was postponed until next week.
- Me olvidé el libro en casa. Pasa, no te preocupes.I forgot the book at home. It happens, don't worry.
- ¡Mira! Ocurren cosas interesantes en esta ciudad.Look! Interesting things happen in this city.
- Pasa que siempre me quedo sin batería en el momento menos oportuno.It happens that I always run out of battery at the most inconvenient moment.
- Ocurren cosas extrañas cuando se pone el sol en este pueblo.Strange things happen when the sun sets in this town.
- Suelen pasar cosas extrañas en esta casa.Strange things tend to happen in this house.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía accidentally spilled some water on the table.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Sofía, así pasa.Don't worry, Sofia, it happens.
- SofíaLo siento mucho, Mateo.I am very sorry, Mateo.
- MateoNo es nada, pasa.It's nothing, it happens.
- SofíaGracias por ser tan amable.Thank you for being so kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pasa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pasa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
