pagar en efectivo
/paɡaɾ en efeɡtibo/from spelling rules
To pay in cash in Spanish is pagar en efectivo.
The phrase is used to describe paying for something using physical banknotes and coins instead of using a credit card or a check. This is the most commonly used phrase for 'pay in cash' across Spanish-speaking countries. When you want to refer to the cash itself as a noun, use the masculine noun el efectivo.
What does it mean word for word?
In this phrase, efectivo literally means 'effective' or 'in effect', but in this context, it refers to 'cash'.
Which one should you use?
While pagar en efectivo is the standard phrase, you may encounter pagar al contado, which implies paying in cash upfront and is more common in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression pagar al contado is more commonly used in Spain, while pagar en plata is a common colloquial way to say 'pay in cash' used primarily in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the preposition en (in) to indicate the medium of payment.
How do you pronounce it?
/paɡaɾ en efeɡtibo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word pagar comes from the Latin pācāre, meaning 'to pacify'. This suggests that paying a debt was historically seen as a way to bring peace between two parties.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word plata is used for cash because of the historical importance of Spanish colonial silver coins.
- While pagar en efectivo is used for the method of payment, pagar al contado specifically emphasizes that the full amount is paid immediately rather than in installments.
Examples in context
- Él no dijo nada en cuanto a si iba a pagar en efectivo o con un cheque.He didn't say anything as to whether he was going to pay in cash or by check.This sentence is useful for discussing whether someone intended to use pagar en efectivo or a check.Tatoeba #1601033 by teskmon, translation #296068 by CM
- Quería pagar en efectivo.I wanted to pay in cash.This sentence shows how to express a desire to pagar en efectivo.Tatoeba #8297501 by GuidoW, translation #8264116 by CK
- No. Quiero pagar en efectivo.No. I want to pay in cash.This sentence demonstrates a direct statement of wanting to pagar en efectivo.Tatoeba #456514 by lukaszpp, translation #456513 by lukaszpp
- Para realizar la compra, ¿podría pagar en efectivo?To make the purchase, could you pay in cash?
- ¿Me puedes pagar en plata por favor?Can you pay me in cash, please?
- ¿Podrías pagarlo al contado?Could you pay for it in cash upfront?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a small cafe in Madrid.
- ElenaHola, ¿tienes cambio para pagar en efectivo?Hi, do you have change to pay in cash?
- DanielSí, Elena, no hay problema.Yes, Elena, no problem.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel. Aquí tienes.Thanks, Daniel. Here you go.
- DanielPerfecto, muchas gracias.Perfect, thank you very much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries efectivo, en, pagar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
