Passer is a regular ER verb meaning “to pass” in French. This verb is highly versatile and has a wide range of usages.
passer
to pass
Example sentences
The verb passer is used in the context of “spending time”. For these sentences, use avoir as the auxiliary verb In the passé composé.
Je passe une semaine à Paris. J’ai passé une semaine à Rome.
I’m spending a week in Paris. I spent a week in Rome.
Passer chez + place means to go, pass or drop by. For these sentences, uses être as the auxiliary verb in the passé composé.
Je passe chez mon ami. Je suis passé chez mon ami.
I’m going to my friend’s place. I went to my friend’s place.
Passe-moi le sel, s’il te plaît.
Pass me the salt, please.
Le train passe à midi.
The train is coming at noon.
Un bon film passe à la télé.
A good movie is playing on TV.
Passer sur means to pass over, let go or overlook.
Je passe sur ses défauts.
I overlook their faults.
The expression y passer means “to die”.
Il a eu un accident, il a failli y passer.
He had an accent and almost died.
Le temps passe vite quand on s’amuse.
Time flies when you’re having fun.
The expression passer du temps à + infinitive means “to spend time doing”.
Je passe mon temps à étudier le français.
I spend my time studying French.
In the reflexive form, se passer means “to happen”.
Qu’est-ce qui se passe ?
What’s happening?
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