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pagar means to pay — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 11, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

pagar

verb • /[pah-GAR]/

to pay

Example:

Voy a pagar con tarjeta de crédito.

I'm going to pay with a credit card.

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🧠 What does pagar mean?

Pagar is a common Spanish verb meaning 'to pay.' It can refer to paying for goods or services, settling a debt, or even facing consequences for one's actions. It's a crucial verb for navigating everyday situations, from shopping to discussing finances.

📚 Extra examples

  • Voy a pagar la cuenta.
    I'm going to pay the bill.
  • Pagué en efectivo.
    I paid in cash.
  • Tenemos que pagar el alquiler.
    We have to pay the rent.
  • Él pagó por la cena.
    He paid for dinner.
  • Pagarás por tus errores.
    You will pay for your mistakes.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to pay' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to pay' in Spanish is 'pagar.'
How do you pronounce 'pagar' in Spanish?
Pagar is pronounced pah-GAR, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'pagar' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Voy a pagar la cuenta' (I'm going to pay the bill), 'Pagué en efectivo' (I paid in cash), and 'Tenemos que pagar el alquiler' (We have to pay the rent).
What is the English translation of 'pagar'?
The English translation of 'pagar' is 'to pay.'
Does 'pagar' change for gender or number?
No, 'pagar' itself doesn't change for gender or number. However, it conjugates according to the subject pronoun (e.g., yo pago, tú pagas, él/ella/usted paga, nosotros/as pagamos, vosotros/as pagáis, ellos/ellas/ustedes pagan).
Is 'pagar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'pagar' is a very common verb in everyday Spanish conversation.
Does 'pagar' have slang or double meanings?
While generally straightforward, 'pagar el pato' is an idiom meaning 'to take the blame' or 'to be the scapegoat.'
Is 'pagar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'pagar' are generally the same across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'pagar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: Yo pago (I pay), Tú pagas (You pay), Él/Ella/Usted paga (He/She/You formal pay), Nosotros/as pagamos (We pay), Vosotros/as pagáis (You plural pay, Spain), Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes pagan (They/You plural pay).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "pagar"

Synonyms: abonar, saldar
Opposites: cobrar, recibir

💡 Did You Know?

The verb 'pagar' comes from the Latin word 'pacāre,' which originally meant 'to pacify' or 'to appease,' suggesting that payment was a way to resolve conflict.

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