pagare
/paˈɡa.re/
To pay in Italian is pagare.
pagare is the most common verb used to express the act of giving money in exchange for goods or services. When using this verb, you pay a person or a thing directly. Unlike English, you do not need a preposition like "for" between the verb and the object. Other verbs exist for specific nuances: saldare refers specifically to settling a bill or a payment, sborsare conveys the idea of shelling out or forking over money and dare (to give) can be used to express paying in informal settings.
Meaning: to give money in exchange for goods or services (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
pagare is a regular -are verb. In the present indicative, the forms are: io pago (I pay), tu paghi (you pay), egli/ella paga (he/she pays), noi paghiamo (we pay), voi pagate (you all pay) and loro pagano (they pay). The past participle is pagato.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /paˈɡa.re/.
Did you know?
- The verb pagare shares a common ancestor with the word for 'peace', which is pax. Originally, to pay someone meant to satisfy or appease them, effectively 'making peace' through a settlement.
- In Italy, it is common for a group of friends to avoid using pagare individually and instead use the custom of fare alla romana, where the bill is split exactly equally.
- The verb saldare is used not just for money, but also in technical contexts to mean 'to solder' two pieces of metal together. This stems from the idea of 'settling' or joining two things into one firm state.
Examples in context
- Tocca a me pagare.It's my turn to pay.This sentence is useful for stating it is your turn to use pagare.Tatoeba #6536711 by Guybrush88, translation #6532295 by CK
- Tocca a te pagare.It's your turn to pay.Tatoeba #6545122 by Guybrush88, translation #6532167 by CK
- Non ti può pagare.He can't pay you.This sentence is useful for stating someone cannot use pagare to a person.Tatoeba #8485530 by Guybrush88, translation #8480630 by CH
- Ho saldato il contoI paid the bill
- Gli ho dato i soldiI gave him the money (to pay for something)
- Devo sborsare una fortuna per quel vestitoI have to pay a fortune for that dress
- Ho pagato 20 euro per il pastoI paid 20 euros for the meal
- Il conto, per favoreThe bill, please
- Le invieremo una fattura per il pagamentoWe will send you an invoice for the payment
- Accettate carte di credito?Do you accept credit cards?
- 454 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are at a coffee shop.
- AlessandroGiulia, vuoi pagare con il bancomat?Giulia, do you want to pay with a debit card?
- GiuliaSì, preferisco pagare con la carta.Yes, I prefer to pay with a card.
- AlessandroVa bene, pago io il caffè.Fine, I will pay for the coffee.
- GiuliaGrazie, Alessandro, sei molto gentile.Thank you, Alessandro, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pay” translations and entries pagare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pagare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
