Spanish Phrase
Pasa por el detector de metales ahora.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to go through the metal detector immediately. It’s commonly heard in security checkpoints such as airports, stadiums, or concerts, where staff need to ensure compliance quickly.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are a security officer or staff member asking a person to comply with a metal‑detector check on the spot. It works best in informal or semi‑formal settings; in very formal contexts you would switch to the usted form.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pasaporeldetectordemetalesahora
Imperative (tú)
"Pasa" is the informal tú imperative of the verb "pasar", used to give a direct command.
Preposition "por"
"por" indicates movement through or across something; here it links the action to the detector.
Definite article "el"
The noun "detector" is masculine, so it takes the article "el".
Noun phrase "detector de metales"
A compound noun where "de metales" specifies the type of detector.
Adverb "ahora"
"Ahora" adds urgency, meaning "right now".
🗨In Conversation
Pasa por el detector de metales ahora.
Go through the metal detector now.
¡Claro, lo haré enseguida!
Sure, I’ll do it right away!
✕Common Mistakes
Pasa por el detector de metales ahora.
In formal contexts you should use "Pase" (usted) to show respect.
Pasa por el detector de metal ahora.
"Metal" must be pluralized to "metales" because the device detects many types of metal.
Pasa por el detector de metales ahorita.
"Ahorita" is colloquial and may sound too informal for a security command.
↔Alternatives
Pase por el detector de metales ahora.
Go through the metal detector now. (formal)
Cruza el detector de metales ahora, por favor.
Cross the metal detector now, please.
Pasa por el detector de metales, por favor.
Please go through the metal detector.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries security personnel usually use the formal "Pase" when addressing strangers, especially in airports or large venues. Using the informal "Pasa" can sound friendly but may be perceived as too casual in a strict security environment. Adjust the level of formality based on the setting and the relationship with the person you’re speaking to.