pasar la tarjeta
/pasaɾ la taɾxeta/from spelling rules
The English phrase "swipe card" translates to Spanish as pasar la tarjeta.
The phrase pasar la tarjeta is used to mean "to swipe a card." It can refer to both magnetic stripe cards and contactless cards, as the verb pasar covers the general motion of presenting a card to a reader.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb pasar (to pass/move through) and la tarjeta (the card).
How do you pronounce it?
/pasaɾ la taɾxeta/
Did you know?
- The word tarjeta is actually a diminutive of tarja, which historically referred to a small plate or a piece of wood used for marking accounts.
- Depending on the region, you might hear deslizar la tarjeta instead of pasar. Deslizar specifically describes the sliding motion of a magnetic stripe.
- In some Latin American countries, if you are using a mobile phone to pay, you might hear people say pasar el móvil instead of using a physical card.
Examples in context
- Tiene que pasar la tarjeta para entrar.You have to swipe the card to enter.
- Tienes que pasar la tarjeta por el lector.You have to swipe the card through the reader.
- ¿Puedo pasar la tarjeta para entrar?Can I swipe the card to enter?
- No olvides pasar la tarjeta al salir.Don't forget to swipe the card when leaving.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at the entrance of a gym.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿tienes tu pase?Sofía, do you have your pass?
- SofíaSí, solo tengo que pasar la tarjeta.Yes, I just have to swipe the card.
- AlejandroLa máquina está justo ahí.The machine is right there.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, pasar, tarjeta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
