paga
/ˈpaɡa/
To pay up in Spanish is paga.
The term is used when someone pays money that is owed to another person. In professional or business environments, you may encounter the more formal phrase abonar la deuda.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaɡa/
Did you know?
- The word paga shares an ancient root with the English word 'peace' through the Latin 'pax'. This connection stems from the concept of a 'pact' or 'agreement' that settles a dispute, such as a debt.
- In many Spanish speaking countries, paga refers not just to the act of paying up but specifically to an allowance given to children by their parents.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you want to tell someone to 'pay up' in a very colloquial, almost aggressive way, you might use the phrase suelta la pasta instead of the standard paga.
Examples in context
- Ella pagará el máximo de cincuenta dólares.She will pay up to fifty dollars.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form paga in the context of a maximum amount being paid.Tatoeba #477927 by MondCivitano, translation #1403633 by MondCivitano
- Oye, ¿recuerdas el dinero que me debes? ¡Es hora de ponerte al día!Hey, do you remember the money you owe me? It's time to catch up!
- Por favor, abone su deuda pendiente en las próximas dos semanas.Please pay your outstanding debt within the next two weeks.
- Asegúrese de liquidar el importe total antes de la fecha de vencimiento.Please make sure to settle the total amount before the due date.
- Paga lo que me debes ahora.Pay up what you owe me now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are at a cafe after sharing a bill.
- DanielMaría, paga lo que me debes de ayer.María, pay up what you owe me from yesterday.
- MaríaLo siento, Daniel, pero no tengo dinero.I am sorry, Daniel, but I don't have any money.
- DanielTienes que pagar pronto.You have to pay up soon.
- MaríaTe lo daré mañana sin falta.I will give it to you tomorrow without fail.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
