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"Hang out" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "pasar el rato", and "hang about" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "quedarse esperando". Learn more about the difference between "hang out" and "hang about" below.
hang out(
heyng
aut
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (colloquial) (to spend time)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. pasar el rato (with friends)
We love to hang out at the beach in the summer.En el verano nos encanta pasar el rato en la playa.
b. andar (in a place)
Where do you usually hang out on weekends?¿Por dónde andas normalmente los fines de semana?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
He stood with his mouth open and his tongue hanging out.Estaba parado con la boca abierta y la lengua fuera.
Tuck your shirt in! It looks untidy hanging out.¡Métete la camisa dentro! Te da un aspecto descuidado saliendo fuera así.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
3. (to suspend)
hang about(
hahng
uh
-
baut
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (colloquial) (to wait for something) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
a. quedarse esperando
I suppose we've no choice but to hang about 'til Armando comes back.Supongo que no nos queda otra alternativa que quedarnos esperando hasta que vuelva Armando.
2. (colloquial) (to deliberate) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
a. pensárselo demasiado
You don't have time to hang about. You need to take a decision.No tienes el tiempo para pensártelo demasiado. Tienes que tomar una decisión.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. dar vueltas por
There were some dodgy characters hanging about the park.Había unos tipos sospechosos que daban vueltas por la vecindad.
b. merodear por
The last time I saw Daniel, he was hanging about the neighborhood with his friends.La última vez que vi a Daniel, estaba merodeando por la vecindad con sus amigos.
