¿podemos pagar?
The English phrase "can we pay" is translated into Spanish as ¿podemos pagar?
Use ¿podemos pagar? when you are ready to settle a bill in a restaurant, shop or any commercial setting. You can extend this phrase to specify a payment method by adding con tarjeta (with card) or en efectivo (in cash), as in ¿Podemos pagar con tarjeta?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb poder (to be able to) in its first-person plural form podemos (we can) and the infinitive pagar (to pay).
Did you know?
- The word pagar is also used idiomatically in the phrase pagar el pato, which means to take the blame for something you did not do.
- The Spanish verb pagar comes from the Latin word pācāre, which means 'to pacify'. This reflects an ancient idea that paying a debt was a way to make peace with a creditor.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is considered rude to ask ¿podemos pagar? too early or too insistently, as the waiter may view it as a signal for them to hurry you out of the restaurant.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are finishing their meal at a restaurant.
- LucíaYa terminé mi comida.I am finished with my meal.
- DanielYo también, Lucía.Me too, Lucía.
- LucíaCamarero, ¿podemos pagar?Waiter, can we pay?
- DanielSí, traigo la cuenta ahora.Yes, I'll bring the bill now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
