제가 낼게요
jega naelgeyo
In Korean, "I will pay" is expressed as 제가 낼게요 (jega naelgeyo).
This phrase is used to offer to pay the bill for someone else. It is commonly used at the end of a meal or a transaction when one person wants to treat the others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 제가 (I – polite) and 낼게요 (will pay/submit/produce).
Which one should you use?
While 낼게요 expresses a voluntary intention to pay, using 내야 해요 would imply a sense of obligation or necessity, such as "I have to pay".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 제가 낼게요 is polite and appropriate for use with acquaintances, colleagues or people older than you. For very formal contexts, you can use 저는 지불하겠습니다. In informal situations, such as with close friends or people younger than you, use 내가 낼게 or 나 대신 지불할게 if you mean "I will pay instead".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 내다 (to pay/produce) is conjugated with the -ㄹ게요 ending, which expresses a promise or a decision made by the speaker to the listener.
How do you pronounce it?
jega naelgeyo
Did you know?
- The concept of paying for another is tied to the idea of 정 (jeong), a unique Korean feeling of deep attachment and collective bonding.
- The verb 내다 is used not only for money but also for submitting an application or producing a noise, as it fundamentally means to put something out.
- The phrase is often the starting gun for a 'polite battle'. In Korean social culture, a person who says 제가 낼게요 will often face a spirited, performative argument from the other party, who will insist on paying to avoid being the one receiving the favor.
Examples in context
- 아니요, 너무 좋은 시간을 보낼 수 있게 도와주셔서 오히려 저희가 지불하겠습니다.No, thank you for helping us have a great time. We would rather pay.
- 오늘은 내가 낼게.I will pay today.
- 아니야, 괜찮아. 다음 번에 내가 대신 지불할게.No, it's okay. I will pay instead next time.
- 오늘 점심은 제가 낼게요.oneul jeomsigeun jega naelgeyo.I will pay for lunch today.
- 커피는 제가 낼게요.keopineun jega naelgeyo.I will pay for the coffee.
- 걱정 마세요, 제가 낼게요.geokjeong maseyo, jega naelgeyo.Don't worry, I will pay.
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are finishing a meal at a restaurant.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 계산할까요?Hyeonu ssi, gyesan-halkkayo?Hyunwoo, shall we settle the bill?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니에요, 제가 낼게요.Anieyo, jega naelgeyo.No, I will pay.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 그럼 잘 먹었습니다.Jeongmallyo? Geureom jal meogeotseumnida.Really? Then, thank you for the meal.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo별말씀을요. 다음에 같이 와요.Byeolmalsseumeullyo. Daeume gachi wayo.You're welcome. Let's come together next time.
