pago
Lemma Details
Translation: payment; pay; settlement; payoff
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'pacāre' meaning 'to pacify' or 'to appease', which evolved into the verb 'pagar' (to pay) in Spanish. The connection between payment and pacification reflects how settling debts brings peace between parties. The English word 'pay' shares this Latin root, though it entered English through Old French 'paier'.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El pago debe realizarse antes del día 15.
The payment must be made before the 15th.
Aceptamos diferentes métodos de pago.
We accept different payment methods.
El pago del alquiler es mensual.
Rent payment is monthly.
Volvió a su pago después de muchos años.
He returned to his homeland after many years.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pago' as bringing 'peace' after settling a debt (connecting to its Latin root 'pacāre').
- Remember 'pago' sounds like the start of 'pay-go', as in 'pay and go'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'pago' is commonly used in financial and commercial contexts. In some rural areas, especially in Argentina, 'pago' can also refer to one's hometown or place of origin.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'pago' is the general term for 'payment', 'paga' specifically refers to wages or salary.
Notes: 'Paga' is feminine while 'pago' is masculine, though both relate to payment concepts.
Mnemonic: 'Pago' is for any payment, while 'paga' pays people (wages).
Explanation: 'Pago' is the noun for 'payment', while 'pagado' is the past participle of 'pagar', meaning 'paid'.
Confused word:
La factura ya está pagada.
The invoice is already paid.
Notes: 'Pagado' functions as an adjective describing something that has been paid.
Mnemonic: 'Pago' is the thing (payment), 'pagado' is the state (paid).