pasada

Pasada is a term in Spanish and other Romance languages that derives from the verb pasar, meaning to pass or to go by. In its feminine form, pasada, it functions as a noun and an adjective with several related senses and varies by dialect. Broadly, it is tied to the idea of something that has passed, moved past, or occurred previously.

In its temporal use, pasada often marks something that is not current but has already happened. It appears in phrases such as la semana pasada or la temporada pasada to refer to the previous week or season. As a standalone noun, pasada can indicate the last one in a sequence when combined with a noun, for example, “la pasada pieza” or “la pasada vez,” depending on regional usage.

In movement and performance contexts, una pasada describes a passing movement or step in which a leg or body part crosses in relation to the other. It is used in dance, martial arts, and athletic terms to denote a particular crossing or passing gesture, and colloquially can also refer to an impressive or stylish maneuver.

In crafts and industry, pasada can denote a single pass or sweep of a tool or material, such as a shuttle pass in weaving or a stroke in embroidery or painting. This sense emphasizes the action of moving a thread, fiber, or instrument over a work surface.

Colloquially in many Spanish regions, the expression qué pasada conveys admiration or enthusiasm, roughly “that’s amazing.” In Portuguese, passada similarly denotes a step or stride, reflecting the shared etymology across Iberian languages.