Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo pasó?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the specific time or date an event occurred in the past. It utilizes the preterite tense of the verb 'pasar' to indicate a completed action. It is a direct way to ask for chronological context regarding a situation.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone informs you of an incident, a discovery, or a change and you need to know the timing. It is appropriate for both casual storytelling and formal reporting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándopasó?
Cuándo
This is an interrogative adverb that requires a written accent mark when used in a question.
Pasó
This is the third-person singular form of 'pasar' in the preterite tense, used here as an impersonal 'it'.
🗨In Conversation
Escuché que hubo un gran cambio en la oficina.
I heard there was a big change in the office.
¿Cuándo pasó?
When did it happen?
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuándo pasa?
This uses the present tense, asking 'When does it happen?' instead of the past.
¿Cuándo se pasó?
Adding the reflexive 'se' changes the meaning to 'When did he/she go too far?' or 'When did it expire?'
↔Alternatives
¿En qué momento ocurrió?
At what moment did it occur?
¿A qué hora fue?
What time was it?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, responses to this question may often be relative, such as 'hace un rato' (a while ago) or 'recién' (just now), rather than specific times. In formal news reporting, you are more likely to hear the verb 'ocurrir' instead of 'pasar'.