pasa tú primero
/pasa tu pɾimeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you go first" is translated into Spanish as pasa tú primero.
This phrase is used specifically for physical movement, such as letting someone enter a room, a car or a doorway before you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase pasa tú primero literally translates to "pass you first", where pasa is the imperative form of pasar (to pass/go through).
Which one should you use?
While pasa tú primero is a standard way to say the phrase, you can also use Ve tú primero in informal conversations. For a more abbreviated version in casual conversation, the pronoun is often dropped to say pasa primero.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to a stranger, an elder or someone in a professional setting, use the formal version pase usted primero instead of pasa tú primero.
How do you pronounce it?
/pasa tu pɾimeɾo/
Did you know?
- While 'pasa tú primero' is used for physical movement through doors, if you want to say 'you go first' in a figurative sense, such as letting someone speak first in a debate, you would more likely use te cedo la palabra.
- The word tú is a direct cognate of the archaic English pronoun 'thou'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, instead of using words, you might simply gesture with an open palm toward a doorway to signal 'after you'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, usted va primero. Agradezco su cortesía.Please, you go first. I appreciate your courtesy.
- Tú primero, después yo.You go first, then me.
- Ve tú primero, que yo te sigo.You go first, and I'll follow you.
- Pasa tú primero, por favor.You go first, please.
- No, pasa tú primero.No, you go first.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are standing at the entrance of a restaurant.
- ElenaPasa tú primero, Mateo.You go first, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, Elena. Eres muy amable.Thank you, Elena. You are very kind.
- ElenaDe nada, adelante.You're welcome, go ahead.
- MateoVamos a buscar una mesa.Let's go find a table.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pasa, primero, tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
