Uses of Pasar (to happen, to pass, to spend)

• Pasar algo — to happen something (e.g., ¿Qué pasó? What happened?)
• Pasar tiempo — to spend time (e.g., Pasé dos horas estudiando. I spent two hours studying.)
• Pasar por — to go through or pass by (e.g., Pasé por la tienda. I passed by the store.)
• Pasar can also be used colloquially to mean “to let happen” or “to allow” (e.g., No lo pases. Don’t let it happen.)
• Use context to determine whether pasar means “to happen,” “to pass,” or “to spend.”

Uses of Suceder (to occur, to take place)

• Suceder algo — something occurs or takes place (e.g., ¿Qué sucedió? What happened?)
• Suceder is often used in more formal, written, or journalistic contexts.
• Suceder can also introduce a sequence, meaning “to follow” or “to come after” (e.g., Sucedió al presidente Pérez. He succeeded President Pérez.)
• Suceder focuses more on the event itself rather than the passage of time or movement.

Using Pasar vs. Suceder in Context

• In casual conversation, pasar is more commonly used to ask or talk about events (e.g., ¿Qué pasó ayer?).
• Suceder is more formal and may appear in news reports, books, or formal speech (e.g., Los hechos sucedieron anoche.).
• When describing something unexpected or negative, pasar is usually preferred in spoken Spanish (e.g., Me pasó algo raro.).
• Use suceder when you want to sound more formal or objective (e.g., Sucedió un accidente en la carretera.).

Common Expressions with Pasar and Suceder

• These example phrases highlight the common uses and differences in formality and nuance.

Quick Tips

• Use pasar for everyday, spoken situations.
• Use suceder for formal, written, or journalistic contexts.
• Both can ask “What happened?”: ¿Qué pasó? (colloquial) and ¿Qué sucedió? (formal).
• Don’t confuse suceder a alguien with “to happen”: it means “to succeed someone” in a role or position.
• Pay attention to surrounding words for meaning.

• Keep these guidelines in mind to choose the most appropriate verb.