tengo que pagar
/tenɡo ke paɡaɾ/from spelling rules
The phrase tengo que pagar is the Spanish way to say "I need to pay".
This phrase is used to express the necessity of giving money for a product or service.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Tengo que soltar la pasta is a colloquial way to say "I need to pay".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase tengo que pagar, the verb pagar remains in the infinitive form because it follows the conjugated phrase tengo que. To change the subject to "we", use tenemos que pagar.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo ke paɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb pagar is etymologically linked to the concept of 'peace'. It originates from the Latin pācāre, meaning 'to pacify', suggesting that paying a debt is a way to restore peace between parties.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use the phrase yo invito to tell someone else that you will pay for the meal.
Examples in context
- Tengo que pagar el arriendo.I need to pay the rent.This sentence is useful for showing how to use tengo que pagar when discussing rent.Tatoeba #4415562 by pchamorro, translation #2361657 by CK
- ¿Tengo que pagar por adelantado?Do I need to pay in advance?This sentence is useful for asking if tengo que pagar is required in advance.Tatoeba #3272540 by cueyayotl, translation #3185849 by CK
- Disculpe, necesito pagar, por favor.Excuse me, I need to pay.
- ¿Podrías traerme la cuenta, por favor? Tengo que pagar.Could you bring me the bill, please? I need to pay.
- Lo siento, pero aún tengo que pagar.Sorry, but I still need to pay.
- Tengo que pagar la cuenta ahora.I need to pay the bill now.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are at a restaurant.
- LucíaJavier, ya tengo que pagar.Javier, I need to pay now.
- JavierNo te preocupes, yo pago hoy.Don't worry, I'll pay today.
- LucíaEstá bien, pero la próxima vez pago yo.That's fine, but next time I'll pay.
- JavierMe parece justo, Lucía.That seems fair, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagar, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
