In passing Meaning in English
expression
ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈpæsɪŋ
in PAS-ing
ˈɪn/ /pˈɑːsɪŋ
in PAH-sing
Definition
Used to mention something briefly while talking about something else, not as the main topic.
Usage & Nuances
'In passing' is informal and common in spoken and written English. It suggests you mentioned something casually or without detail. Often appears with verbs like 'say', 'mention', or 'hear'. Not used for important announcements.
Spanish: de pasada - al pasarPortuguese (BR): de passagem - por acasoPortuguese (PT): de passagem - ao passarChinese (Simplified): 顺便 - 顺路Chinese (Traditional): 順便 - 順路Hindi: यूँ ही चलते-फिरते - ज़िक्र मेंArabic: عَرَضًا - أثناء الكلامBengali: ফাঁকে ফাঁকে - চলতে চলতেRussian: мимоходом - вскользьJapanese: ついでに - ふとVietnamese: thoáng qua - tiện thểKorean: 지나가듯이 - 그냥 말하다Turkish: laf arasında - üstünkörüUrdu: راستہ چلتے - سرسری طور پرIndonesian: sekilas - sambil lalu
Example Sentences
He mentioned my name in passing during the meeting.
basic
She told me about her new job in passing yesterday.
basic
I heard in passing that the shop will close soon.
basic
He just brought it up in passing—I don't think it's serious.
natural
You mentioned Paris in passing before—have you ever been there?
natural
I only mentioned my plans in passing, so he probably forgot.
natural