pagarle
“pagarle” means “to pay him” in Spanish (as in, 'I need to pay him').
to pay him, to pay her, to pay you (formal)Also: to pay it (to a company or entity)
📝 In Action
Debes pagarle al banco antes del viernes.
A2You must pay the bank before Friday. (Literally: You must pay it to the bank.)
Quiero pagarle lo que me prestó.
A2I want to pay him/her what he/she lent me.
No olvides pagarle la entrada al guardia.
B1Don't forget to pay the entrance fee to the guard.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pagarle
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'pagarle' to mean 'I should pay her'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
Comes from the Latin verb *pacare*, which originally meant 'to appease' or 'to pacify.' Over time, the meaning shifted from 'pacifying a creditor' to simply 'settling a debt' or 'paying.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'pagarle' written as one word?
The Spanish rule is that pronouns (like 'le') must attach directly to the end of the infinitive form (the '-ar, -er, -ir' form), the gerund ('-ando, -iendo' form), and affirmative commands. This turns 'pagar' and 'le' into a single word, 'pagarle'.
Can I use 'pagarle' if I am paying money directly, or only if I am paying a person?
'Pagarle' specifically refers to the person or entity receiving the payment (the indirect object). If you are referring to the money itself, you would use a different pronoun (like 'lo' or 'la'), but 'le' is only for the recipient.