Pass the time Meaning in English
expression
ˈpæs/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈtaɪm
PASS thuh TIME
pˈɑːs/ /ðə, ði/ /tˈaɪm
PAHSS thuh TIME
Definition
To do something to make time go by, especially when you are waiting or bored. It usually means finding an activity to avoid feeling bored while waiting.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in casual, informal conversation. Often combined with verbs like 'read', 'play games', or 'chat'. Different from 'pass out' (to faint) or 'pass away' (to die). Can sound neutral or slightly bored.
Spanish: matar el tiempo - pasar el ratoPortuguese (BR): passar o tempo - matar o tempoPortuguese (PT): passar o tempo - matar o tempoChinese (Simplified): 打发时间 - 消磨时间Chinese (Traditional): 打發時間 - 消磨時間Hindi: समय बितानाArabic: تمضية الوقت - قتل الوقتBengali: সময় কাটানোRussian: скоротать время - проводить время (чтобы не скучать)Japanese: 暇つぶしをする - 時間をつぶすVietnamese: giết thời gianKorean: 시간을 보내다 - 시간을 때우다Turkish: vakit geçirmekUrdu: وقت گزارناIndonesian: mengisi waktu - membunuh waktu
Example Sentences
We played cards to pass the time.
basic
She reads magazines to pass the time while waiting.
basic
Listening to music helps me pass the time on long trips.
basic
To pass the time, we started chatting with strangers at the airport.
natural
There's not much to do here, so people find creative ways to pass the time.
natural
Sometimes I just watch the clouds to pass the time.
natural