Introduction
Learning how to navigate difficult conversations in Spanish is a valuable skill that helps you build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts gracefully. One phrase that comes up frequently in personal and professional settings is the need to move past disagreements or uncomfortable situations. Whether you’re reconciling with a friend, clearing the air at work, or simply wanting to focus on the future rather than past issues, knowing how to express this sentiment in Spanish will help you communicate more effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore multiple ways to say can we move past this in Spanish, along with context-specific variations, cultural considerations, and practical examples to help you master this important conversational skill.
The Most Direct Translation
Using Podemos pasar de esto
The most straightforward way to say can we move past this in Spanish is Podemos pasar de esto. This phrase breaks down quite simply: podemos means can we or let us, pasar means to pass or move, de means from or past, and esto means this. When used together, podemos pasar de esto directly asks whether you and another person can move forward without dwelling on whatever happened.
This phrase works well in casual contexts with friends, family members, or colleagues. For example, if you had a disagreement with a coworker and want to focus on future projects, you might say: Oye, podemos pasar de esto y concentrarnos en el trabajo que viene?, which translates to Hey, can we move past this and focus on the work ahead?
The beauty of Podemos pasar de esto is its simplicity and directness. Native Spanish speakers understand it immediately, and it doesn’t require extensive explanation or cultural context to be understood properly.
Alternative Formal Expressions
Podemos olvidarnos de esto
Another excellent alternative is Podemos olvidarnos de esto, which literally means can we forget about this. This phrase is slightly more forgiving in tone than the previous option. Olvidarnos comes from olvidar, meaning to forget, and when you add nos, it becomes a reflexive form indicating a collective action between you and the listener.
This expression works wonderfully when you want to emphasize letting something go completely rather than just moving forward. For instance, if you and a friend had a minor argument: Podemos olvidarnos de esto y seguir siendo amigos?, meaning can we forget about this and continue being friends?
Podemos dejar esto atrás
The phrase Podemos dejar esto atrás offers yet another perspective, translating to can we leave this behind. The verb dejar means to leave or to let, and atrás means behind or in the past. This particular construction emphasizes the act of putting something firmly in the past rather than dwelling on it.
This phrase carries a slightly more mature or deliberate tone and is excellent for serious conversations where you genuinely want to move forward. An example would be: Hemos cometido errores, pero podemos dejar esto atrás, meaning we’ve made mistakes, but we can leave this behind.
Using Different Pronouns and Contexts
Adjusting for Formality Levels
Spanish offers different levels of formality depending on your relationship with the person you’re speaking to. When speaking casually with friends or family, podemos (can we) works perfectly fine. However, in more formal situations or when speaking with someone you don’t know well, you might prefer Podríamos pasar de esto, which uses the conditional form and sounds more polite and less demanding.
The conditional form podríamos is particularly useful when you want to soften your request or make it sound like a gentle suggestion rather than a direct question. This might be appropriate in professional settings or when addressing someone in a position of authority.
First Person Singular Variations
Sometimes you might want to express your desire to move past something individually. In such cases, you can use Quiero pasar de esto, meaning I want to move past this. This shifts the focus from a collective action to a personal statement about your feelings and intentions.
Similarly, Necesito pasar de esto, which means I need to move past this, conveys a stronger emotional weight and suggests that moving forward is important for your wellbeing. Both of these variations are excellent when you’re making a personal declaration about your need to move forward, particularly in situations where the other person might be more resistant to the idea.
Adding Context and Emotion
Expressions with Additional Phrases
To make your request more compelling and emotionally resonant, you can combine these base phrases with additional expressions. For example: Podemos pasar de esto y empezar de nuevo, which means can we move past this and start fresh. The addition of empezar de nuevo (to start fresh) emphasizes that you’re not just moving forward but actively beginning a new chapter.
Another powerful combination is Podemos pasar de esto por el bien de nuestra relación, meaning can we move past this for the sake of our relationship. This phrase acknowledges that the relationship is valuable and worth protecting by moving forward together.
Using Subjunctive Forms
In Spanish, the subjunctive mood is often used when expressing desires or possibilities. You might say Espero que podamos pasar de esto, which means I hope we can move past this. The subjunctive form here softens the directness while still conveying your sincere wish to move forward.
Similarly, Me gustaría que pasáramos de esto, meaning I would like us to move past this, uses the conditional subjunctive to create an even more gentle and wish-like tone. This construction is particularly effective when dealing with sensitive situations or when you’re trying to be especially respectful of the other person’s feelings.
Cultural Considerations and Context
Relationship Dynamics in Spanish-Speaking Cultures
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, relationships and harmony are highly valued. Therefore, expressing a desire to move past disagreements is generally seen as a positive and mature approach. Using these phrases shows that you prioritize the relationship over holding grudges, which is deeply respected in Hispanic communities.
However, the timing and manner of your approach matter significantly. It’s generally best to wait until emotions have cooled before suggesting that you move past something. Approaching someone too quickly with these phrases might come across as dismissive of their feelings, which could damage rather than repair the relationship.
Non-Verbal Communication
When using phrases about moving past disagreements, your body language, tone of voice, and facial expression carry tremendous weight. Even with perfect Spanish grammar, if you seem insincere or defensive, the other person may not respond positively. Pair your words with genuine eye contact, a calm tone, and open body language to show that you’re sincere about reconciliation.
Practical Examples in Various Scenarios
Workplace Conflicts
In a professional setting with a coworker: Buenos días, quería hablar contigo. Sé que tuvimos un desacuerdo la semana pasada, pero podemos pasar de esto y enfocarnos en nuestros proyectos actuales. (Good morning, I wanted to talk to you. I know we had a disagreement last week, but can we move past this and focus on our current projects?)
Friendship Issues
With a friend after an argument: Mira, eres muy importante para mí. Podemos olvidarnos de esto y volver a ser como antes? (Look, you’re very important to me. Can we forget about this and go back to how we were?)
Family Relationships
With a family member during a difficult period: Familia es lo más importante. Quiero que podamos dejar esto atrás y reconstruir nuestra relación. (Family is the most important thing. I want us to be able to leave this behind and rebuild our relationship.)
Conclusion
Mastering the ability to express that you want to move past disagreements is a crucial skill for anyone learning Spanish. Whether you choose podemos pasar de esto, podemos olvidarnos de esto, or any of the other variations discussed in this article, the key is using your chosen phrase sincerely and at the right moment. Remember that language carries cultural weight, and in Spanish-speaking communities, the willingness to reconcile and prioritize relationships is deeply valued. Practice these phrases regularly, adjust them to fit your specific context, and combine them with genuine intentions and appropriate body language. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your Spanish communication skills but also strengthen your personal and professional relationships across Spanish-speaking cultures.
