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"Lo que pasa" is a phrase which is often translated as "what happens", and "cuando paso" is a phrase which is often translated as "when I go by". Learn more about the difference between "lo que pasa" and "cuando paso" below.
lo que pasa(
loh
keh
pah
-
sah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. what happens
El profesor de química explicó lo que pasa cuando se combinan cobre y azufre.The chemistry teacher explained what happens when you combine copper and sulfur.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Entiendo que es importante cumplir los plazos, lo que pasa es que necesitaría tal vez un par de días más para acabar el encargo.I understand it is important to meet the deadlines, the thing is I need maybe a couple more days to finish the assignment.
Claro que sé cómo te sientes. Lo que pasa es que tú no dejas que nadie te ayude.Of course I know how you feel, but the fact is that you won't let anyone help you.
cuando paso(
kwahn
-
doh
pah
-
soh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. when I go by
A veces me compró un bagel cuando paso por la panadería.Sometimes I get a bagel when I go by the bakery.
b. when I pass through
Cuando paso por la Ciudad de México, siempre visito a mi tía Alicia.When I pass through Mexico City, I always visit my aunt Alicia.
a. when I cross
Siempre pongo mucha atención cuando paso esta calle.I'm always very careful when I cross this road.
