Breakdown of Lo que pasa es que estamos atrapados en el ascensor.
ser
to be
en
in / on / at
estar
to be (location/state)
que
that / than
el ascensor
the elevator
lo
the ... thing (neuter article)
pasar
to happen
atrapado
trapped / stuck
Questions & Answers about Lo que pasa es que estamos atrapados en el ascensor.
What exactly does Lo que pasa es que mean, and how is it different from just saying Es que?
Lo que pasa es que translates literally to what happens is that, but native speakers use it to mean the thing is or what is going on is. It is simply a slightly longer, more conversational way to introduce an excuse or explanation than just using Es que. Both are completely interchangeable in this sentence!
Why do we use the normal present tense estamos here instead of the subjunctive?
While you might know that phrases with que or lo que sometimes trigger the subjunctive, lo que pasa es que is a set expression used to state a fact or give a real reason. Because you are declaring a reality (you are currently trapped), it takes the indicative mood, which is why we use estamos.
Why use estamos instead of somos with atrapados?
I have also heard the word elevador. Are ascensor and elevador both used in Latin America?
Yes, both words are widely understood across Latin America! Elevador is very common in Mexico and parts of Central America, while ascensor is frequently used in South America. You will be perfectly understood no matter which one you choose to use.
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