phrase
qué pasa
kay PAH-sah
Qué pasa (phrase) means a Spanish greeting meaning 'what's happening?' or 'what's up?', used in English as a casual hello. Example: “Qué pasa, man — long time no see.”
phrase
1
informal A Spanish greeting meaning 'what's happening?' or 'what's up?', used in English as a casual hello.
"Qué pasa, man — long time no see."
"He answered the phone with a cheerful 'qué pasa?'"
2
A genuine question asking what is going on or what is wrong.
"You've gone quiet — qué pasa?"
How to use qué pasa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpanish for 'what's up?'
When to use it
Informal. Written properly with an accent on qué and question marks either side (¿qué pasa?), though English speakers usually drop both.
Memory tip
Use it as a greeting to someone you already know; it is too casual for a stranger, a boss or a formal setting.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
qué pasa amigo
hey, qué pasa
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like qué pasa.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, man — long time no see.
Etymology
Spanish qué 'what' plus pasa, third person singular of pasar 'to happen, to pass'.
Synonyms
View more →
what's up
what's happening
how's it going
what's wrong
what's going on
Related words
Rhymes for qué pasa
See all rhymes for qué pasa →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between qué pasa and qué pasó?
Qué pasa is present tense — 'what's happening?' — and works as a greeting. Qué pasó is past tense — 'what happened?' — and asks about a specific event that has already taken place.
How do you reply to qué pasa?
As a greeting it barely needs an answer: nada ('nothing'), todo bien ('all good') or aquí, tranquilo ('just taking it easy') all work. If it was a real question, just say what is going on.
What is the meaning of qué pasa?
"qué pasa" (phrase) means a Spanish greeting meaning 'what's happening?' or 'what's up?', used in English as a casual hello.
What is another word for qué pasa?
Other words for "qué pasa" include what's up, what's happening, how's it going, what's wrong, what's going on.
