passa a bola
/ˈpa.sɐ a ˈbɔ.lɐ/word by word
To pass the ball in Portuguese is passa a bola.
The phrase is used to instruct a player to throw or kick a ball to another player during a game. In a sports context, you may also use the alternative expression dar o passe, which means to give the pass.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb passar (to pass), the definite article a (the) and the noun bola (ball).
Which one should you use?
While passa a bola is a common way to ask someone to pass the ball, you can also use the alternative expression dar o passe to describe the action of making a pass in sports.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Passa a bola! is a common expression used in Portugal to ask someone to pass the ball. In Brazil, the informal phrase Dá o passe! is frequently used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form passa a bola represents the informal imperative (tu), whereas passe a bola is the more formal or standard imperative (você).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈpa.sɐ a ˈbɔ.lɐ/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Outside of sports, using the phrase passar a bola can be a metaphor for shifting responsibility or blame to someone else during a conversation or project.
- The word bola shares an unexpected ancestral connection to the English word 'bowl' through the Vulgar Latin term *bolla.
- In some contexts, the phrase passar a bola is used in Brazilian political jargon to describe when a leader delegates a difficult task to a subordinate.
Examples in context
- Passe a bola, por favor.Pass the ball, please.
- Por gentileza, faça o passe.Please make the pass.
- Passa a bola!Pass the ball!
- Dá o passe!Give the pass!
- Passa a bola para mim!Pass the ball to me!
- Se você passa a bola, o jogo melhora.If you pass the ball, the game improves.
- Ele não passa a bola para ninguém.He doesn't pass the ball to anyone.
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are playing soccer together.
- MarianaGabriel, passa a bola!Gabriel, pass the ball!
- GabrielEu estou tentando, mas estou longe.I'm trying, but I'm far away.
- MarianaCorre mais e passa a bola!Run more and pass the ball!
- GabrielPronto, olha agora!Done, look now!
