vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Nadar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to swim", and "pasear" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to go for a walk". Learn more about the difference between "nadar" and "pasear" below.
nadar(
nah
-
dahr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to swim
Me encanta nadar en el lago.I love to swim in the lake.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
pasear(
pah
-
seh
-
ahr
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to go for a walk (on foot)
Me encanta ir a pasear por la playa.I love going for a walk on the beach.
b. to go for a drive (by car)
Paseamos por la costa en mi carro nuevo.We went for a drive along the coast in my new car.
c. to go for a ride (via vehicle or animal)
Paseo en bici cada domingo por la mañana.I go for a ride on my bike every Sunday morning.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to walk
Pasea a su perro por el parque por la noche.She walks her dog around the park at night.
a. to show off
Mi hermana paseó su nuevo atuendo en la fiesta.My sister showed off her new outfit at the party.
pasearse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to go for a walk
Cuando necesito pensar, voy a las montañas a pasearme.When I need to think, I go to the mountains for a walk.
b. to walk
Se paseó todo el día por el centro comercial.She walked around the mall all day long.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.