Passer - different meanings

BarbaraC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Passer - different meanings

Hi - I have a question regarding the verb passer. When passer is used with exams, tests, etc. I recall it means 'to take' (e.g. J'ai passé mes examens = I took my exams) and does not mean 'to pass'. I believe 'réussir' is the better choice?? Recently, I have come across a couple of translations that translate 'J'ai passé mes examens' as 'I passed my exams'. I'm wondering if someone could clarify if it is now acceptable to use passer in the context of 'passing' an exam? Thanks.
Asked 3 years ago
MaartenC1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

I see that DeepL, Collins and google all give that translation for that specific sentence. If it is coming into use, it is definitely not standard metropolitan French ! I suspect it just reflects the complex, multiple uses of 'passer' exposing the problems with online, algorithm-driven translators.

I have not heard of it being used like that by native French speakers, not even among the (few) teenagers I know.

BarbaraC1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks.  I appreciate the quick response.   I’ve actually seen it on Babbel as well.  In fact, they used it to convey both meanings with the same sentence!   But if the French don’t use it that way, that’s good enough for me.  Thanks again.  

Passer - different meanings

Hi - I have a question regarding the verb passer. When passer is used with exams, tests, etc. I recall it means 'to take' (e.g. J'ai passé mes examens = I took my exams) and does not mean 'to pass'. I believe 'réussir' is the better choice?? Recently, I have come across a couple of translations that translate 'J'ai passé mes examens' as 'I passed my exams'. I'm wondering if someone could clarify if it is now acceptable to use passer in the context of 'passing' an exam? Thanks.

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