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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". "Qué onda" is a form of "qué onda", a phrase which is often translated as "what's up". Learn more about the difference between "qué pasa" and "qué onda" below.
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.
qué onda(
keh
ohn
-
dah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (colloquial) (salutation) (Latin America)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. what's up (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Hola, Fede. ¿Qué onda, güey? - Todo bien. ¿Y tú?Hey, Fede. What's up, dude? - All good. And you?
b. alright (colloquial) (United Kingdom)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¿Qué onda, mano? ¿Qué es de tu vida?Alright, mate? What have you been up to?
