quisiera pagar
/kisjeɾa paɡaɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I would like to pay" is expressed as quisiera pagar.
This phrase is a polite way to tell a service provider that you are ready to give money for a purchase. It is common to follow the phrase immediately with en efectivo (in cash) or con tarjeta (with a card) to specify the method. You can also use the phrase quisiera pagar la cuenta to say "I would like to pay the bill".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of quisiera, which is the imperfect subjunctive form of querer (to want), used here to express a polite desire and pagar, which is the infinitive form of the verb, which follows the conjugated verb quisiera.
Which one should you use?
While quisiera pagar is the standard polite way to make a request in a service setting, the phrase Quiero pagar means "I want to pay" and is more direct and can sound blunt.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase Quiero liquidar is commonly used to mean "I want to settle the payment".
How do you pronounce it?
/kisjeɾa paɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word pagar is used in the slang phrase pagar el pato, which means to take the blame for something you did not do.
- The verb pagar is actually rooted in the concept of making peace. It derives from the Latin word pācāre, which means 'to pacify' or 'to make peace'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, instead of saying quisiera pagar, people simply catch the server's eye and make a drawing motion in the air with their hand. This gesture is a universally understood shorthand for 'the bill, please'.
Examples in context
- Quisiera pagar en efectivo.I would like to pay with cash.This sentence is useful for specifying that you want to use cash with the phrase quisiera pagar.Tatoeba #730315 by hayastan, translation #730310 by shekitten
- Quisiera pagar en efectivo. ¿El precio incluye el desayuno?I would like to pay with cash. Is breakfast included in the price?This sentence shows how to use quisiera pagar when also asking if breakfast is included in the price.Tatoeba #455810 by lukaszpp, translation #455809 by lukaszpp
- Quisiera pagar con tarjeta, por favor.I would like to pay with a card, please.
Example conversation
At a small coffee shop.
- MaríaHola, quisiera pagar mi cuenta.Hello, I would like to pay my bill.
- MateoClaro, ¿va a usar efectivo o tarjeta?Of course, are you going to use cash or a card?
- MaríaCon tarjeta, por favor.With a card, please.
- MateoMuy bien, puede acercar la tarjeta aquí.Very well, you can bring the card close here.
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.
