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QUICK ANSWER
"Qué pasa" is a form of "qué pasa", a phrase which is often translated as "what's going on". "Lo que pasa" is a phrase which is often translated as "what happens". Learn more about the difference between "lo que pasa" and "qué pasa" 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.
qué pasa(
keh
pah
-
sah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
b. what's happening
¿Qué pasa, cariño? Oí un ruido fuerte.What's happening, dear? I heard a loud noise.
e. what's up (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¿Qué pasa, niños? ¿Están bien?What's up, kids? Are you OK?
a. what's going on
You look so sad, dear. Tell me what's going on.Te veo muy triste, amor. Dime qué pasa.
c. what the matter is
No entiendo qué pasa, Enrique. ¿Por qué actúas como si me odiaras?I don't get what the matter is, Enrique. Why do you act like you hate me?
d. what's wrong
Dime qué pasa, hija. Quisiera poder ayudarte.Tell me what's wrong, honey. I'd like to be able to help you.
e. what's up (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
No sé qué pasa, Diego, pero recuerda que puedes contar conmigo.I don't know what's up, Diego, but remember that you can count on me.
a. what happens
Sabes qué pasa cuando mi compañero de cuarto se enoja.You know what happens when my roommate gets angry.
