Spanish Phrase
Las cosechas lo están pasando mal.
Meaning
The sentence means that the harvests are suffering or having a difficult time, usually because of adverse conditions such as drought, pests, or market problems. It conveys a sense of collective hardship for the crops rather than a single plant.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing agricultural reports, weather impacts on farming, or any situation where a group of crops is collectively struggling. It is common in news bulletins, farmer‑to‑farmer conversations, and environmental debates.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lascosechasloestánpasandomal
Definite article + noun (Las cosechas)
‘Las’ is the feminine plural definite article that agrees with the noun ‘cosechas’ (harvests).
Neuter pronoun ‘lo’
‘Lo’ is a neutral direct‑object pronoun that refers to an abstract situation, not to a masculine noun.
Present progressive (están pasando)
The verb ‘pasar’ is conjugated in the present progressive: estar + gerundio (pasando) to express an ongoing action.
Adverb ‘mal’
‘Mal’ modifies the verb phrase, meaning ‘badly’ or ‘in a bad way’.
🗨In Conversation
¿Has visto el informe del Ministerio de Agricultura?
Have you seen the Ministry of Agriculture's report?
Sí, las cosechas lo están pasando mal por la sequía prolongada.
Yes, the crops are doing badly because of the prolonged drought.
✕Common Mistakes
Las cosechas les están pasando mal.
‘Les’ is a plural indirect object pronoun; the sentence needs the neutral direct object pronoun ‘lo’.
Las cosechas lo están pasar mal.
The progressive form requires ‘estar + gerundio’; you cannot use the infinitive after ‘están’.
Las cosechas lo están pasando malas.
‘Mal’ is an adverb, not an adjective; it should not be changed to the feminine form ‘malas’.
↔Alternatives
Las cosechas están pasando por un mal momento.
The harvests are going through a rough period.
Las cosechas van mal.
The harvests are doing poorly.
Las cosechas están sufriendo.
The harvests are suffering.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy, so phrases about crops are often used metaphorically to talk about national well‑being. ‘Pasar mal’ is a colloquial way to describe any situation that is going poorly, not just literal suffering. When speaking to farmers, a more empathetic tone is appreciated; you might add ‘¿Cómo podemos ayudar?’ (How can we help?).