no puedes pasar
/no pwedes pasaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you cannot pass" is translated into Spanish as no puedes pasar.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are not allowed to go through a certain area.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of no (not), puedes (you can/are able) and pasar (to pass/to go through).
Which one should you use?
While no puedes pasar is used for a single person in an informal setting, no puede pasar is the formal version. If you are addressing a group of people rather than a single person, use no pueden pasar. For a more official or impersonal tone, you can use no está permitido el paso, which means "Passage is not allowed".
How does it change in a sentence?
Use no puede pasar instead of no puedes pasar when speaking to a stranger or someone in a position of authority to be polite.
Did you know?
- While no puedes pasar means you cannot enter, the word pasar is also used in Spanish to describe the act of spending time, such as pasar el rato.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a physical gesture of holding up a flat palm is often used alongside no puedes pasar to create a visual barrier.
- If you are in a formal setting, such as a hotel or a government office, using the informal 'no puedes pasar' might actually sound like you are challenging the person's authority rather than just stating a rule.
Examples in context
- No puede pasar a esta área, señor/señora.You cannot pass into this area, sir/madam.
- Lo siento, pero no está permitido el paso aquí.I'm sorry, but passage is not allowed here.
- No puedes pasar, ¡estás atrapado/a!You cannot pass, you're trapped!
- No te dejo pasar, este es mi territorio.I won't let you pass, this is my territory.
- No puedes pasar sin una entrada válida.You cannot pass without a valid ticket.
- No está permitido el paso después del horario de cierre.Passage is not allowed after closing time.
- Lo siento, no puedes pasar por aquí.I'm sorry, you cannot pass through here.
- No puedes pasar sin una autorización.You cannot pass without authorization.
- ¡Alto! No puedes pasar, la calle está cerrada.Stop! You cannot pass, the street is closed.
Example conversation
Daniel is guarding a restricted entrance at a building.
- DanielHola, no puedes pasar a esta oficina.Hello, you cannot pass into this office.
- MaríaPero necesito hablar con el gerente.But I need to speak with the manager.
- DanielEntiendo, pero ahora mismo no puedes pasar.I understand, but right now you cannot pass.
- MaríaEstá bien, esperaré aquí entonces.That is fine, I will wait here then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
