pagarlo
/pah-GAHR-loh/
to pay for it
Paying for a purchase like a loaf of bread.
pagarlo(verb)
to pay for it
?settling a bill or purchase
to pay him
?giving money to a male person
📝 In Action
Tengo el dinero para pagarlo.
A1I have the money to pay for it.
Si compras el café, yo puedo pagarlo.
A2If you buy the coffee, I can pay for it.
Este es el recibo, debes pagarlo pronto.
B1This is the receipt; you must pay it soon.
💡 Grammar Points
Sticky Pronouns
The '-lo' at the end of the word is a shortcut for 'it' or 'him.' In Spanish, when you use the base form of an action (the infinitive), you glue this little label directly to the end of the word.
Spelling Changes
When saying 'I paid' (pagué), we add a 'u' after the 'g' to keep the sound hard. Without the 'u', it would sound like a 'j'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Placement Error
Mistake: "Quiero lo pagar."
Correction: Quiero pagarlo or Lo quiero pagar.
⭐ Usage Tips
It vs Him
Use 'pagarlo' for objects (like a bill) or for a person (like a waiter). Context will tell the listener which one you mean.
Suffering the consequences of a mistake.
📝 In Action
Hizo algo muy malo y va a pagarlo caro.
B2He did something very bad and he is going to pay dearly for it.
Tarde o temprano tendrá que pagarlo.
B2Sooner or later he will have to pay for it (face the consequences).
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
Just like in English, 'paying for it' can refer to money OR to suffering for a mistake you made.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Emphasis
In Spanish, we often add the word 'caro' (expensive/dearly) to this phrase to show that the consequence will be very tough.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pagarlo
Question 1 of 1
If you are at a restaurant and want to say 'I need to pay for it (the bill),' which is correct?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'pagarlo' mean 'to pay her'?
No. 'Pagarlo' is specifically for 'it' or 'him.' To say 'pay her,' you would usually say 'pagarle.'
Why is there sometimes an accent on this word?
The word 'pagarlo' doesn't have an accent, but if you add another label like 'me' (to me), it becomes 'pagármelo' and needs an accent to keep the stress in the right place.