prepago
/pɾepaɡo/from spelling rules
The English word 'prepayment' is prepago in Spanish.
prepago is a noun meaning prepayment. It is also commonly used as an adjective to describe services, such as teléfono prepago (prepaid phone).
Meaning: payment in advance (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a combination of the prefix pre- (before) and pago (payment).
Which one should you use?
While prepago is a common noun, you can use the phrase pago por adelantado to express the concept of 'payment in advance' in a more formal manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is typically used with the definite article el, as in el prepago.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾepaɡo/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, prepago is used as a slang noun to refer to a sex worker who is paid in advance.
- The word pago comes from the verb pagar, which shares a root with the English word 'pay' via the Latin pacare, meaning 'to pacify' or 'make peace'.
- In Spain, digital wallets that function via prepayment are often called a monedero, which literally means 'purse'.
Examples in context
- El anticipo de pago es requerido antes de recibir el servicioPrepayment is required before receiving the service
- Necesito hacer un pago adelantado para asegurar mi reservaI need to make an advance payment to secure my reservation
- Necesito hacer un adelanto de dineroI need to make a prepayment
- ¿Puedo hacer el pago por adelantado?Can I make the prepayment?
- El hotel requiere un anticipo de pago para garantizar la reserva de la habitación.The hotel requires a prepayment to guarantee the room reservation.
- El prepago es obligatorio para este servicio.The prepayment is mandatory for this service.
- No aceptamos el prepago por teléfono.We do not accept prepayment over the phone.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing their mobile phone plans.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿tienes un plan mensual?Daniel, do you have a monthly plan?
- DanielNo, yo uso un sistema de prepago.No, I use a prepayment system.
- LucíaEs más fácil controlar los gastos así.It's easier to control expenses that way.
- DanielExacto, por eso prefiero el prepago.Exactly, that's why I prefer prepayment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry prepago, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
