pagar en efectivo
Lemma Details
Translation: to pay in cash; to make a cash payment
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'pagar' (to pay) from Latin 'pacare' meaning 'to pacify' or 'to appease' (originally referring to settling debts to restore peace), with 'en efectivo' meaning 'in cash'. 'Efectivo' derives from Latin 'effectivus' (producing an effect, effective), which evolved to refer to money that has immediate effect in transactions. The connection between payment and pacification in the etymology reflects how settling debts resolves conflicts.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Prefiero pagar en efectivo porque no me gusta usar tarjetas de crédito.
I prefer to pay in cash because I don't like using credit cards.
Este restaurante solo acepta pagos en efectivo.
This restaurant only accepts cash payments.
¿Puedo pagar en efectivo o aceptan tarjetas?
Can I pay in cash or do you accept cards?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'efectivo' as 'effective money' - it's immediately effective for transactions with no delay.
- Imagine 'pagar en efectivo' as physically handing over bills that have an immediate 'effect' on settling your debt.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, cash payments are still very common and sometimes preferred over card payments, especially in small businesses, markets, and rural areas. Some establishments may offer discounts for cash payments to avoid credit card processing fees.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'pagar en efectivo' means to pay with money (cash), 'pagar en especie' means to pay with goods or services instead of money (payment in kind).
This word:
Siempre pago en efectivo cuando voy al mercado.
I always pay in cash when I go to the market.
Confused word:
El granjero pagó en especie con productos de su cosecha.
The farmer paid in kind with products from his harvest.
Notes: In some contexts, 'pagar en especie' is used for bartering arrangements or tax situations where non-monetary payment is accepted.
Mnemonic: 'Efectivo' contains 'effect' (immediate effect of money) while 'especie' sounds like 'species' (different kinds of things).
Explanation: Both phrases mean to pay in cash, but 'pagar al contado' emphasizes immediate, full payment (on the spot) while 'pagar en efectivo' specifically refers to the method (using physical cash).
This word:
No aceptan tarjetas, hay que pagar en efectivo.
They don't accept cards, you have to pay in cash.
Confused word:
Compré el coche pagando al contado, sin financiación.
I bought the car paying in full, without financing.
Notes: 'Pagar al contado' is often used when contrasting with installment payments or financing, while 'pagar en efectivo' contrasts with other payment methods like cards or checks.
Mnemonic: 'Efectivo' focuses on the form of payment (cash), while 'contado' (from 'contar' - to count) suggests counting out the full amount immediately.