French Phrase
Passe ta carte en descendant.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to hand over (or tap) their card at the same time they are going down, for example at a turnstile, a ski‑lift gate, or any access point that requires a card swipe while descending.
When to use
Use this phrase at metro stations, ski lifts, amusement‑park rides, or any place where you must present a card while moving downwards. It’s informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends or staff you know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Passetacarteendescendant
Imperative (Passe)
‘Passe’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *passer* (to hand over, to pass). It is used for direct commands.
Possessive adjective (ta)
‘ta’ agrees with the feminine singular noun *carte* and means ‘your’ (informal).
Preposition + present participle (en descendant)
‘en’ + present participle expresses simultaneity: ‘while doing something’. *descendant* is the present participle of *descendre* (to go down).
Noun (carte)
‘carte’ can refer to a ticket, a transit card, or any flat card used for payment.
🗨In Conversation
Je n'arrive pas à passer la barrière.
I can’t get through the gate.
Passe ta carte en descendant, ça devrait marcher.
Hand over your card while you go down, it should work.
✕Common Mistakes
Passe ta carte en descendre.
Using the infinitive *descendre* loses the simultaneity meaning; you need the present participle *en descendant*.
Passez ta carte en descendant.
‘Passez’ is the formal/plural imperative; with a single informal addressee you should use *Passe*.
Passe votre carte en descendant.
If you’re speaking formally, replace *ta* with *votre*.
↔Alternatives
Glisse ta carte en descendant.
Slide your card while going down.
Insère ta carte en descendant.
Insert your card while going down.
Passe ta carte pendant que tu descends.
Pass your card while you descend.
Cultural Tip
In France and many French‑speaking regions, contactless transit cards (like the Navigo in Paris) are tapped on a reader as you pass through a gate. The action is usually done while you’re already moving, so ‘en descendant’ mirrors the real‑world habit of tapping the card as you step forward or down. Using the informal imperative ‘Passe’ is common among peers, but with strangers or staff you might prefer the polite ‘Passez votre carte en descendant.’