Learning how to say “paid” in Spanish is essential when traveling or conducting business transactions in Spanish-speaking countries. Being able to communicate this basic concept will help you navigate various situations, such as paying for goods and services, settling bills, or discussing salaries. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “paid” in Spanish. Let’s dive in!
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1. Formal Ways to Say “Paid” in Spanish
When you need to express “paid” in a formal or professional context, consider using the following phrases:
i. “Pagado”
The most straightforward translation of “paid” is “pagado” in Spanish. This word is commonly used in formal situations, such as in business settings or when discussing financial matters. For instance:
Hemos pagado la factura. (We have paid the bill.)
El empleado fue pagado por su trabajo. (The employee was paid for their work.)
Keep in mind that “pagado” is used as an adjective. If you need to use it as a verb, you can use the phrase “ha sido pagado” (has been paid) or “fue pagado” (was paid).
ii. “Abonado”
In some formal contexts, you may come across the word “abonado” as a synonym for “pagado.” This term is commonly used when talking about paid subscriptions or services:
El servicio ha sido abonado. (The service has been paid for.)
Tu suscripción ha sido abonada correctamente. (Your subscription has been paid successfully.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Paid” in Spanish
When you’re in a more casual or informal setting, you can use the following phrases to express “paid” in Spanish:
i. “Pagado”
Yes, “pagado” can also be used in informal situations. It’s an all-purpose term that works well in both formal and informal environments. Here are a couple of examples:
Me pagaron por mi trabajo. (They paid me for my work.)
¡Ya he pagado la cuenta! (I have already paid the bill!)
ii. “Cancelar”
In an informal context, you can use the verb “cancelar” to convey the idea of “paid”. Although “cancelar” literally means “to cancel,” it is also widely used to mean “to pay off” or “to settle” a bill. For example:
Acabo de cancelar el préstamo. (I just paid off the loan.)
Voy a cancelar la cuenta del restaurante. (I’m going to pay the restaurant bill.)
3. Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you further understand how to use the word “paid” in different contexts:
i. Payment in a Business Context
If you need to discuss payments in the context of a business, it’s helpful to become familiar with specific vocabulary. Below are some key terms:
- Pago: Payment
- Cobro: Charge
- Factura: Invoice
- Recibo: Receipt
Using these terms correctly in addition to “paid” will help you navigate business-related conversations more effectively:
Por favor, envíe el recibo una vez haya realizado el pago. (Please send the receipt once you have made the payment.)
La factura fue abonada puntualmente. (The invoice was paid promptly.)
ii. Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across various countries, each with its own regional variations. While the terms mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it’s worth noting that specific regions may have their own unique vocabulary or way of expressing “paid.” If you’re interacting with locals, pay attention to their language and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “paid” in Spanish is a crucial skill for both formal and informal conversations. By using the terms “pagado” or “abonado” in formal settings, and “pagado” or “cancelar” in informal contexts, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your payment intentions or discuss financial matters. Remember to adapt to regional variations and use specific business vocabulary when necessary. Now it’s time to put your knowledge into practice! ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
