quiero pagar
/kjeɾo paɡaɾ/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I want to pay" is quiero pagar.
This phrase is used to express the desire to give money for a product or service. It is commonly used in retail or restaurant settings to signal to a staff member that you are ready to settle the bill.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present of querer (to want) and the infinitive pagar (to pay).
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a desire to perform an action, the verb querer is conjugated and followed directly by the infinitive without a preposition.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo paɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb pagar is used in the phrase pagar los platos rotos, which means to take the blame for something you did not do.
- If you are in a restaurant and want to pay, you might use a hand gesture like writing in the air with your finger to supplement your words.
- The verb pagar actually traces its roots back to the concept of making peace. It originates from the Latin pācāre, which means 'to pacify' or 'to make peace'.
Examples in context
- Quiero pagar menos que tú por la cena.I want to pay less than you for the dinner.This sentence is useful for comparing payment amounts.Tatoeba #12987891 by Alejandr0, translation #8097637 by Lyte3000
- Quiero pagar a plazos.I want to pay in installments.This sentence is useful for describing a specific method of payment through installments.Tatoeba #437054 by lukaszpp, translation #437053 by lukaszpp
- Quiero pagar con un cheque.I want to pay with a check.This sentence is useful for specifying a payment method using a check.Tatoeba #437056 by lukaszpp, translation #437055 by lukaszpp
- Sí, me gustaría pagar, por favor.Yes, I would like to pay, please.
- Hoy invito yoI'll pay today
- No, déjame pagar. La próxima vez será tu turno.No, let me pay. Next time will be your turn.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are at a cafe finishing their drinks.
- MaríaQuiero pagar yo hoy.I want to pay today.
- AlejandroNo es necesario, María.It is not necessary, María.
- MaríaInsisto, quiero pagar la cuenta.I insist, I want to pay the bill.
- AlejandroEstá bien, muchas gracias.All right, thank you very much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
