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"Por cierto" is a phrase which is often translated as "by the way", and "de paso" is a phrase which is often translated as "while one's at it". Learn more about the difference between "por cierto" and "de paso" below.
por cierto(
pohr
 
syehr
-
toh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. by the way
Por cierto, el grupo tiene un nuevo integrante.By the way, the band has a new member.
a. indeed
Fue una excelente película, por cierto.It was a great movie indeed.
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de paso(
deh
 
pah
-
soh
)
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. while one's at it
Ve a la panadería y, de paso, ve a la tienda a comprar más mermelada.Go to the bakery, and while you're at it, go to the store and buy more jam.
a.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Yo estoy aquí de paso. No vivo en este pueblo.I'm just passing through here. I don't live in this town.
Los pasajeros que están de paso no necesitan pasar por el control de seguridad.The passengers that are in transit don't need to go through a security check.
a. migratory
Esta especie es un ave de paso.This species is a migratory bird.
b. of passage
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Las aves de paso ya migraron hacia el sur.The birds of passage already migrated south.
a. passing
Aquí, re funciona como nota de paso entre el do y el mi.Here, D works as a passing note between C and E.
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