Question 1

Why is "less and less time" translated as cada vez menos tiempo instead of menos y menos tiempo?

Accepted Answer

In English, we repeat the comparative word ("less and less" or "more and more"). In Spanish, you don't repeat the word; instead, you use the phrase cada vez (literally "each time") followed by más or menos. So cada vez menos tiempo literally translates to "each time less time," which is the natural Spanish way to say "less and less time."

Question 2

Is lo que pasa es que a common way to say "the thing is that"?

Accepted Answer

Yes! While pasar often means "to pass" or "to happen," the phrase lo que pasa es que (literally "what happens is that") is a highly common conversational expression in Spanish. It is used exactly like "the thing is that..." in English to introduce an explanation, a clarification, or an excuse.

Question 3

Why is paso used here for "I spend"? Shouldn't it be gasto?

Accepted Answer

In Spanish, the verb you use for "to spend" depends on what you are spending. You use pasar (literally "to pass") when talking about spending time. You use gastar only when talking about spending money or resources. Since the sentence is about time (tiempo), paso is the correct verb.

Question 4

Since menos is describing the noun tiempo, does it ever need to change its ending to match gender or number?

Accepted Answer

No. The word menos (less/fewer) is invariable, meaning it never changes to match the noun it describes. Whether you are spending less time (menos tiempo, masculine singular) or doing fewer things (menos cosas, feminine plural), it remains menos.

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