Posso pagare con la carta?
To ask "can I pay with card" in Italian, use Posso pagare con la carta?
This phrase is the standard way to inquire about electronic payment methods in shops, restaurants and cafes in Italy.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Posso (I can), pagare (to pay), con (with) and la carta (the card).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb pagare is used in its infinitive form because it follows the conjugated modal verb posso.
When do people say it?
When you ask this, a merchant might respond with Sì, certo (Yes, certainly). If they do not accept cards, they will often say Solo contanti (Cash only).
Did you know?
- The Italian verb pagare comes from the Latin word for 'peace', pax. This implies that paying a debt was historically seen as a way to make peace with a creditor.
- While Posso pagare con la carta? is polite, many Italians simply point to their card and ask Carta? with a rising intonation in fast-paced settings like kiosks.
- Italy uses the POS (Point of Sale) terminal, and you might hear a merchant ask if you want to pay col POS instead of using the word carta.
Examples in context
- Accettate pagamenti con carta?Do you accept card payments?
- È possibile pagare con carta?Is it possible to pay with a card?
- Si può pagare con carta?Can one pay with card?
- Si può pagare con la carta qui?Can I pay with card here?
- Accettate carte di credito qui?Do you accept credit cards here?
- Scusi, posso pagare con la carta?Excuse me, can I pay with card?
Example conversation
Giulia is at a small cafe and wants to pay Alessandro.
- GiuliaPosso pagare con la carta?Can I pay with card?
- AlessandroSì, certo.Yes, of course.
- GiuliaOttimo, grazie mille.Great, thanks a lot.
- AlessandroPrego, arrivederci.You're welcome, goodbye.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carta, con, la, pagare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
