Spanish Phrase
¿Me pasas un poco de ketchup?
Meaning
A polite way to ask someone to hand over a small amount of ketchup. The question format adds courtesy, and the indirect object pronoun makes the request personal.
When to use
Use this phrase at the dining table with friends, family, or coworkers when you need a little ketchup. In a more formal setting, replace 'pasas' with 'pasa' and use the usted form: '¿Me pasa un poco de ketchup?'
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Mepasasunpocodeketchup?
Indirect object pronoun (me)
The pronoun 'me' indicates that the action of the verb is directed toward the speaker.
Present indicative of pasar (pasas)
'Pasas' is the second‑person singular (tú) form of the verb 'pasar' used for a polite request.
Quantity expression (un poco de)
'Un poco de' introduces a small amount of something; it works with both countable and uncountable nouns.
Loanword pronunciation (ketchup)
In Spanish, 'ketchup' is pronounced /ˈketʃap/ and is treated as a masculine noun.
🗨In Conversation
¿Me pasas un poco de ketchup?
Could you pass me a little ketchup?
Claro, aquí tienes.
Sure, here you go.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Me paso un poco de ketchup?
Confuses the verb with the pronoun; the correct form is 'Me pasas' (you pass me).
¿Me pasas un poco ketchup?
The preposition 'de' is required after 'poco' to link the noun.
¿Me pasas un poco de ketchup?
When speaking formally, use the usted form 'pasa' instead of the informal 'pasas'.
↔Alternatives
¿Me das un poco de ketchup?
Can you give me a little ketchup?
¿Podrías pasarme un poco de ketchup?
Could you pass me a little ketchup?
¿Me podrías dar un poco de ketchup?
Would you be able to give me a little ketchup?
Cultural Tip
Ketchup is a common condiment in many Spanish‑speaking countries, especially with fast food and fries. In Spain you might also hear 'salsa de tomate' for a similar sauce. When asking for it, using 'pasar' (to pass) is the typical verb at the table, while 'dar' (to give) is also acceptable but slightly less natural in a sharing context.