pagar
Lemma Details
Translation: to pay; to settle; to fulfill
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'pacāre' meaning 'to pacify' or 'to appease', which derived from 'pax' (peace). The semantic evolution is interesting: originally it meant to pacify or satisfy someone, which evolved to mean satisfying a debt or obligation. The English word 'pay' shares this Latin root, though it entered English through Old French 'paier'. The connection between payment and peace reflects how settling debts resolves conflicts.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tengo que pagar la cuenta del restaurante.
I have to pay the restaurant bill.
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta de crédito?
Can I pay with a credit card?
El jefe me pagó el sueldo ayer.
The boss paid me my salary yesterday.
Pagarás por lo que has hecho.
You will pay for what you've done.
Siempre pago mis deudas a tiempo.
I always pay my debts on time.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pagar' as making peace ('pax' in Latin) by settling what you owe.
- Remember it sounds like 'pa-GAR' - as if you're putting money in a 'garage' for safekeeping.
- Connect it to English 'pay' - they sound similar and mean the same thing.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, discussions about payment methods and terms are common in daily transactions. In some Latin American countries, bargaining is more common in markets, so phrases with 'pagar' are frequently used in negotiations. The concept of 'invitar' (to invite/treat) is also culturally important, where one might say 'yo pago' to offer to cover expenses as a gesture of friendship or hospitality.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Pagar' means 'to pay' while 'pegar' means 'to hit' or 'to stick/glue'. They differ by just one vowel but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The confusion is common among beginners because the words look and sound very similar, differing only in one vowel. The conjugated forms can also look similar.
Mnemonic: Remember: pagAr is about money (A for Account), pegAr is about sticking or hitting (A for Attack).
Explanation: 'Pagar' means 'to pay' while 'apagar' means 'to turn off' or 'to extinguish'. 'Apagar' has the prefix 'a-' added to a different root.
Notes: The confusion can arise because both are regular -ar verbs and share most of the same letters.
Mnemonic: Think of 'apagar' as having an extra 'a' that 'adds' the meaning of turning something off.