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"Y" is a conjunction which is often translated as "and", and "de paso" is a phrase which is often translated as "while one's at it". Learn more about the difference between "y" and "de paso" below.
y(
ee
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Y Juan dónde está?So, where is Juan?
¿Y cuál es el problema?What is the problem?
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
de paso(
deh
pah
-
soh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
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. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word 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.
b. of passage (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Las aves de paso ya migraron hacia el sur.The birds of passage already migrated south.
