What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb pasar (to pass) and the noun phrase el rato (the time, the bout or the interval).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of "passing time" using the gerund form, you change the verb to pasando el rato.
How do you pronounce it?
/pasaɾ el ɾato/
When do people say it?
While pasar el rato describes social or aimless leisure, other expressions exist for different contexts. To express the abstract concept of time passing formally, use El paso del tiempo or El transcurso del tiempo to emphasize duration. For an informal way to say time is flying, you can say El tiempo se va volando. In Spain, the phrase El tiempo se escurre is used to describe the swift passage of time. Additionally, the idiomatic expression El tiempo cura todas las heridas is used to mean "time heals all wounds."
Did you know?
- The word rato in the phrase pasar el rato shares an etymological ancestor with the English word 'rapture'. It comes from the Latin raptus, which originally referred to a 'snatched' or 'seized' moment.
- While pasar el rato implies a relaxed leisure, if you say you are 'passing the time' to wait for something, you might use matar el tiempo, which literally means 'to kill the time'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, pasar el rato is not just about boredom, but is a vital social ritual for building trust and community bonds.
Examples in context
- Solo estamos pasando el rato.We are just hanging out.
- A veces solo quiero pasar el rato en el parque.Sometimes I just want to pass the time in the park.
- Estamos aquí solo para pasar el rato.We are just here to pass the time.
- Podemos pasar el rato viendo películas en casa.We can pass the time watching movies at home.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are sitting in a cafe on a weekend afternoon.
- Javier¿Quieres hacer algo especial hoy?Do you want to do something special today?
- SofíaNo, solo quiero pasar el rato contigo.No, I just want to pass the time with you.
- JavierMe parece un plan perfecto, Sofía.That sounds like a perfect plan, Sofía.
- SofíaEntonces, pidamos un café y descansemos.Then, let's order a coffee and relax.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pasar el rato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, pasar, rato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
