What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Quiero (I want), pagar (to pay), con (with) and tarjeta (card).
Which one should you use?
While Quiero pagar con tarjeta is a direct way to state your intention, you might also use ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? to politely ask if a merchant accepts card payments or Quisiera pagar con tarjeta to express your desire more softly. For a very casual setting, you can use Oye, ¿puedo pagar con tarjeta? which translates to "Hey, can I pay by card?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Quiero pagar con tarjeta is suitable for informal settings. For a more polite or formal tone, you can use Me gustaría pagar con tarjeta, por favor or Quisiera pagar con tarjeta, as the latter uses the imperfect subjunctive to make the request sound softer.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Quiero pagar con tarjeta, the verb pagar is used in its infinitive form because it follows the conjugated verb quiero.
Did you know?
- The word tarjeta shares an unexpected history with the English word 'target'. It is a diminutive of tarja, which originally referred to a plate or a shield.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you might hear people ask for a datáfono instead of mentioning the card itself. This refers to the specific machine used to process card transactions.
- In many small shops or markets in Spain and Latin America, you may see a sign saying No aceptamos tarjetas. This is often a practical reality for small vendors rather than a lack of technology.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿puedo pagar con tarjeta?Excuse me, can I pay by card?
- Sí, aceptamos tarjetas de crédito y débito.Yes, we accept credit and debit cards.
- Oye, ¿podemos pagar con tarjeta en este restaurante?Hey, can we pay by card at this restaurant?
- Sí, pueden pagar con tarjeta.Yes, you can pay by card.
- No aceptamos tarjetas, solo efectivo.We do not accept cards, only cash.
- Quiero pagar con tarjeta, por favor.I want to pay by card, please.
- No tengo efectivo, quiero pagar con tarjeta.I don't have cash, I want to pay by card.
- Si es posible, quiero pagar con tarjeta.If it is possible, I want to pay by card.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Mateo is processing the bill.
- Elena¿Cuánto es el total, Mateo?How much is the total, Mateo?
- MateoSon veinte euros, Elena.It is twenty euros, Elena.
- ElenaQuiero pagar con tarjeta.I want to pay by card.
- MateoPerfecto, puede usar el datáfono aquí.Perfect, you can use the card machine here.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, pagar, tarjeta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
