패스
paeseu[pʰɛsʰɯ]
The English word 'pass' can be translated into Korean as 패스 (paeseu).
The loanword 패스 is commonly used in casual settings, such as in sports or when skipping a turn in a game. To use it as a verb in a sentence, you typically add the suffix –하다 to form 패스하다.
Meaning: to move or be moved from one place to another (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 패스 is used for physical passing or skipping a turn in a game, the native Korean verb 건너뛰다 is more appropriate for skipping a step in a process or skipping a grade in school. Additionally, if you are referring to passing through something like an exam, a checkpoint or a gate, the formal term 통과하다 is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the noun-based loanword 패스 into a verb, you add the suffix –하다 to create 패스하다.
How do you pronounce it?
paeseu
Did you know?
- The Korean word for a 'pass' in a mountain or high altitude, such as a mountain pass, is 고개, which literally refers to a 'neck'.
- In Korean variety shows and casual conversation, 패스 is often used as a playful way to refuse to answer an embarrassing question.
- While 패스 is used for sports, if you are driving and want to 'pass' another vehicle, you must use the word 추월하다 instead.
Examples in context
- 지하철이 지나갔어요.The subway passed by.
- 나는 학교 앞을 지나갔어요.I passed in front of the school.
- 식별증을 보여주셔야 통과할 수 있습니다.You must show your identification card to pass.
- 공원을 지나다.Pass through the park.
- 그거 됐어. 다른 얘기 해.Forget about that. Let's talk about something else.
- 그 공을 나한테 패스해 줘.geu gong-eul na-han-te pae-seu-hae jwo.Pass that ball to me.
- 옆에 있는 사람에게 패스하세요.yeop-e it-neun sa-ram-e-ge pae-seu-ha-se-yo.Please pass it to the person next to you.
- 이번에는 너한테 패스할게.i-beon-e-neun neo-han-te pae-seu-hal-ge.I will pass it to you this time.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are playing a casual game of soccer in the park.
- 민지 Min-ji민준아, 나한테 패스해!Min-jun-a, na-han-te pae-seu-hae!Minjun, pass it to me!
- 민준 Min-jun기다려, 지금 패스할게.gi-da-ryeo, ji-geum pae-seu-hal-ge.Wait, I'll pass it now.
- 민지 Min-ji와, 패스 정말 잘한다!wa, pae-seu jeong-mal jal-han-da!Wow, you pass really well!
- 민준 Min-jun고마워, 민지야.go-ma-wo, Min-ji-ya.Thanks, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 패스, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
