pagar la cuenta
/paɡaɾ la kwenta/from spelling rules
To pay bill in Spanish is pagar la cuenta.
The phrase pagar la cuenta is used to describe giving money for a service provided or for a meal at a restaurant. In a restaurant setting, la cuenta refers specifically to the check or the bill for the meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb pagar (to pay) and the noun phrase la cuenta (the account or the bill).
Which one should you use?
While la cuenta is used for restaurant checks, la factura is typically used for formal commercial invoices or utility bills.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cuenta is a feminine noun, which is why the definite article la is used.
When do people say it?
A common and polite way to ask for the bill in a restaurant is to say la cuenta, por favor.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you can signal the waiter to 'pagar la cuenta' by making a writing motion in the air with your hand. This gesture is a silent way to request the check.
- The verb pagar has an unexpected connection to 'peace'. It originates from the Latin 'pācāre', meaning 'to pacify' or 'to make peace'.
- While 'pagar la cuenta' is standard, in some Latin American countries, you might hear people use the verb 'abonar' when referring to making payments on an account or a debt.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿puede traerme la cuenta? Voy a pagar la cuenta ahora mismo.Please, can you bring me the bill? I am going to pay it right away.
- Oye, tienes que pagar la cuenta de la cena de anoche.Hey, you have to pay last night's dinner bill.
- Quiero pagar la cuenta, por favor.I want to pay the bill, please.
- ¿Podemos pagar la cuenta ahora?Can we pay the bill now?
- Ella va a pagar la cuenta de la cena.She is going to pay the dinner bill.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Mateo and Lucía are finishing their meal.
- MateoLa comida estuvo muy buena.The food was very good.
- LucíaSí, ¿quieres pagar la cuenta?Yes, do you want to pay the bill?
- MateoSí, yo voy a pagar la cuenta.Yes, I am going to pay the bill.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, eres muy amable.Thank you, Mateo, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuenta, la, pagar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
