pasar la aspiradora
/pasaɾ la aspiɾadoɾa/from spelling rules
To vacuum in Spanish is pasar la aspiradora.
This phrase is used to describe the action of cleaning a floor or surface using a vacuum cleaner. You might also encounter the single verb aspirar, which can serve as a shorthand for vacuuming, though it carries other common meanings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of the verb pasar (to pass/to run) and la aspiradora (the vacuum cleaner).
Which one should you use?
While aspirar can be used as a shorthand for vacuuming, it is also the common verb for 'to inhale' or 'to breathe in'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When conjugating the phrase, only the verb pasar changes to reflect the subject and tense. For example, to say 'I vacuum', you would say paso la aspiradora.
How do you pronounce it?
/pasaɾ la aspiɾadoɾa/
Did you know?
- The verb aspirar is used not only for cleaning and breathing but also to express a strong ambition or desire to achieve a goal, such as 'aspiring' to a promotion.
- The verb aspirar used in pasar la aspiradora shares the same root as the English word 'aspire', as both come from the Latin 'spirare', meaning 'to breathe'.
- While pasar la aspiradora is standard, some Spanish speakers use the verb aspirar specifically for inhaling drugs, making the context of the sentence very important.
Examples in context
- Debo pasar la aspiradora en la salaI must vacuum the living room
- Voy a aspirar el suelo de todas las habitacionesI'm going to vacuum the floor in all the rooms
- Voy a pasar la aspiradora en mi habitaciónI'm going to vacuum my room
- Después de la fiesta, tengo que pasar la aspiradora para limpiar los restos de confeti.After the party, I have to vacuum to clean up the confetti.
- Mi madre siempre me pide que aspire la sala antes de que lleguen los invitados.My mother always asks me to vacuum the living room before the guests arrive.
- Tengo que pasar la aspiradora por la alfombra.I have to vacuum the carpet.
- Tengo que pasar la aspiradora hoy.I have to vacuum today.
- ¿Puedes pasar la aspiradora en la sala?Can you vacuum in the living room?
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are dividing chores in their apartment.
- LucíaJavier, ¿vas a pasar la aspiradora?Javier, are you going to vacuum?
- JavierSí, lo haré después de comer.Yes, I will do it after eating.
- LucíaPerfecto, yo limpiaré la cocina.Perfect, I will clean the kitchen.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, terminaremos pronto.Thanks, Lucía, we will finish soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aspiradora, la, pasar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
