vorrei pagare
The English phrase 'I would like to pay' is translated into Italian as vorrei pagare.
The phrase vorrei pagare is used in restaurants, cafes or shops to signal to staff that you are ready to settle the bill. For example, vorrei pagare con la carta means 'I would like to pay by card'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rome (Romanesco), one can say Je voria pagà, per piacere.
When do people say it?
A very common alternative to saying 'I would like to pay' is simply asking for il conto (the bill). To specifically request the bill, you can say Può portarmi il conto, per favore?
Did you know?
- The verb pagare is etymologically linked to the concept of 'peace'. It originates from the Latin pacāre, which means 'to pacify' or 'to make peace'.
- When paying in a group, Italians often use the phrase fare alla romana to indicate they will split the bill equally, regardless of what each person ordered.
- In many traditional Italian cafes, you may be expected to pay at the cash register la cassa before you sit down or consume your drink, rather than paying after.
Examples in context
- Vorrei pagare in contanti.I would like to pay with cash.This sentence is useful for practicing how to specify paying with cash.Tatoeba #730311 by Guybrush88, translation #730310 by shekitten
- Vorrei pagare, per favore.I would like to pay, please.This sentence is useful for practicing how to add 'please' to your request.Tatoeba #6724759 by Guybrush88, translation #6724756 by Eccles17
- Vorrei pagare in contanti. La colazione è inclusa nel prezzo?I would like to pay with cash. Is breakfast included in the price?This sentence is useful for combining the request to pay with a question about whether breakfast is included in the price.Tatoeba #1744185 by Guybrush88, translation #455809 by lukaszpp
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are finishing their lunch at a restaurant.
- SofiaScusi, vorrei pagare ora.Excuse me, I would like to pay now.
- MatteoCerto, desidera il conto?Of course, would you like the bill?
- SofiaSì, vorrei pagare con la carta.Yes, I would like to pay by card.
- MatteoVa bene, porto subito il POS.All right, I'll bring the card machine right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
