pásame la pelota
/pasame la pelota/from spelling rules
To say "pass me the ball" in Spanish, you use pásame la pelota.
This phrase is a request used during a game to ask someone to throw or kick a ball to you.
What does it mean word for word?
The word pásame is a combination of the imperative verb pasa (pass) and the indirect object pronoun me (to me).
Which one should you use?
While pelota is a common word for a ball, balón is often used specifically for larger sports balls used in games like soccer or basketball. Therefore, you might hear pásame el balón in professional or organized sports contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase pásame la pelota uses the informal imperative (tú) form.
Did you know?
- The word pelota shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pill', as both derive from the Latin word for a small round object.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a physical gesture of an open palm facing upward often accompanies the request to 'pass' something, rather than just the verbal command.
- While pásame la pelota is a literal request, shouting just ¡pasa! is the standard, urgent way to demand the ball during a fast-paced match.
Examples in context
- ¡Pásame la pelota ahora!Pass me the ball now!
- Por favor, pásame la pelota.Please, pass me the ball.
- Oye, pásame la pelota de fútbol.Hey, pass me the soccer ball.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are playing in the park.
- MateoMaría, pásame la pelota.María, pass me the ball.
- María¡Aquí tienes, Mateo!Here you go, Mateo!
- MateoGracias, es un buen pase.Thanks, it is a good pass.
- María¡De nada!You're welcome!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, pelota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
