Using 'por' Like 'for'

To keep the hard 'g' sound (like in 'go'), the spelling changes before an 'e'. That's why 'yo' in the preterite is 'pagué', not 'pagé'.

The 'g' to 'gu' Spelling Change

When you pay a person directly, you need to add 'a'. For example, 'Le pagué al camarero' (I paid the waiter).

Paying a Person

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

Unlike with money, in this figurative sense, you almost always use 'por' to connect the action to its consequence. For example, 'pagar por tus errores' (to pay for your mistakes).

Using 'por' for a Reason

Common in a figurative sense, especially when talking about actions and results.

Learn the full meaning of the Spanish verb 'pagar'. See examples and complete conjugations for its primary meaning 'to pay' (money) and its figurative sense 'to pay for' (consequences).

pagar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations