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"Pasar el rato" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to pass the time", and "pasar un buen rato" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to have a good time". Learn more about the difference between "pasar el rato" and "pasar un buen rato" below.
pasar el rato(
pah
-
sahr
ehl
rrah
-
toh
)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. (general)
a. to pass the time
Estábamos sin un peso, así que pasábamos el rato dando vueltas por el centro comercial.We were broke, so we passed the time walking around the shopping mall.
b. to spend the time
Como llovía, pasamos el rato jugando al parchís en el hotel.As it was raining, we spent the time playing Parcheesi at the hotel.
c. to spend time
Lo que más me gusta hacer los fines de semana es pasar el rato con mi familia.What I like doing most on weekends is to spend time with my family.
d. to hang out (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Los sábados por la tarde me gusta pasar el rato con amigos.I like hanging out with friends on Saturday afternoons.
e. to chill (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¿Quieres ir a la plaza para pasar el rato esta tarde?Do you feel like going to the square to chill this afternoon?
f. to kill time (idiom)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
Marga tomó una revista para pasar el rato hasta que la llamara el dentista.Marga took a magazine to kill time until the dentist called her in.
pasar un buen rato(
pah
-
sahr
oon
bwehn
rah
-
toh
)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. (general)
a. to have a good time
Gracias por invitarme. Pasé un buen rato.Thank you for inviting me. I had a good time.
b. to have a great time
Pasamos un buen rato bebiendo y bailando.We had a great time drinking and dancing.
c. to enjoy oneself
La clase de swing fue divertida. Pasé un buen rato.The swing class was fun. I enjoyed myself.
