Passants (en. Passers-by)

/pa.sɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Individuals who cross a space, often pedestrians on a street.
The passersby were surprised by the street performance.
Les passants ont été surpris par le spectacle de rue.
The group of people who pass through a given place.
The passersby stopped to admire the exhibition.
Les passants s'arrêtaient pour admirer l'exposition.

Etymology

The word 'passersby' comes from the verb to pass, derived from the Latin 'passare'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

the passersby
People who move through a place.
les passants
in the eyes of passersby
From the perspective of people who are passing by.
dans les yeux des passants
stop passersby
Engage in conversation or attract the attention of passing people.
arrêter les passants

Related Words

passage
Action of moving from one place to another.
passage
walkway
Path or structure allowing passage from one point to another, often above an obstacle.
passerelle
to pass
Action of going from one place to another.
passer

Slang Meanings

People who are wandering.
There are passersby who loiter aimlessly in the street.
Il y a des passants qui traînent sans but dans la rue.
Curious individuals.
Passersby always gather around street performers.
Les passants se rassemblent toujours autour des artistes de rue.