pay the bill
يدفع الفاتورة
Use this phrase whenever you are settling a formal or informal request for payment.
في 15 ثانية
- Giving money for services like food, water, or electricity.
- Used in both casual restaurants and formal business offices.
- Can be done physically with cash or digitally online.
المعنى
This phrase means giving money to pay for something you used or bought, like a meal or electricity. It is the final step of a transaction where you settle the debt.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Eating at a cafe with a friend
Don't worry about it, I will pay the bill today.
Don't worry about it, I will pay the bill today.
Talking about monthly expenses
I need to go to the bank to pay the electricity bill.
I need to go to the bank to pay the electricity bill.
In a formal business meeting
Our company will pay the bill for the catering services.
Our company will pay the bill for the catering services.
خلفية ثقافية
In Western cultures, 'paying the bill' is often associated with independence and adulthood. There is a strong etiquette around who pays during a first date or a business meeting, often reflecting power dynamics or traditional gallantry. Interestingly, the term 'bill' comes from the Latin 'bulla', meaning a sealed document.
The 'Check' vs 'Bill' Secret
In American English, people often say 'check' in restaurants. In British English, 'bill' is much more common. Both are understood everywhere!
Don't say 'Pay the Money'
While technically correct, saying 'I need to pay the money' sounds a bit robotic. 'Pay the bill' sounds much more like a native speaker.
في 15 ثانية
- Giving money for services like food, water, or electricity.
- Used in both casual restaurants and formal business offices.
- Can be done physically with cash or digitally online.
What It Means
Pay the bill is a very common way to say you are giving money for a service. Think of it as the moment you finish your coffee and ask for the check. It covers everything from small restaurant tabs to big monthly electricity costs. It is literal, simple, and essential for daily life.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase in almost any situation involving money. You can pay the bill online, in person, or over the phone. Usually, we use it with a specific object like the utility bill or the phone bill. If you are at a restaurant, you might just say, "I'll pay the bill." It sounds natural and direct.
When To Use It
Use it when you are at a restaurant with friends. Use it when talking about your monthly expenses at home. It is perfect for professional settings too. If you are at a business lunch, saying "I will pay the bill" shows you are taking care of the guest. It is a safe, polite phrase for any environment.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, single items like a candy bar. You don't pay the bill for a pack of gum; you just pay for it. Also, avoid it when someone gives you a gift. If a friend buys you a drink, don't offer to pay the bill immediately. It might make the moment feel too much like a business deal!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, who pays the bill is a big topic. In the US, friends often 'split the bill' to stay equal. In the UK, someone might say "It's my treat" instead of using the full phrase. Historically, the 'bill' was a written statement of money owed. Today, it is mostly digital, but we still use the same old words.
Common Variations
You will often hear foot the bill, which means paying for something expensive. Another common one is settle the bill, which sounds a bit more formal. In a restaurant, people often say get the check instead. If you want to be cool, you can say "I've got this one." All of these mean the same thing: the money is coming from your pocket!
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a neutral collocation. It is safe for beginners (A2) because it is literal and used daily. Be careful not to confuse it with 'pay the price', which is often about punishment.
The 'Check' vs 'Bill' Secret
In American English, people often say 'check' in restaurants. In British English, 'bill' is much more common. Both are understood everywhere!
Don't say 'Pay the Money'
While technically correct, saying 'I need to pay the money' sounds a bit robotic. 'Pay the bill' sounds much more like a native speaker.
Going Dutch
If someone says 'Let's go Dutch,' it means everyone pays for their own share of the bill. It's a very common phrase among students and friends.
أمثلة
6Don't worry about it, I will pay the bill today.
Don't worry about it, I will pay the bill today.
A friendly way to offer to treat someone.
I need to go to the bank to pay the electricity bill.
I need to go to the bank to pay the electricity bill.
Refers to a standard household utility payment.
Our company will pay the bill for the catering services.
Our company will pay the bill for the catering services.
Professional tone for corporate expenses.
Hey, did you remember to pay the internet bill?
Hey, did you remember to pay the internet bill?
Short and direct for a quick reminder.
I had to sell my soul just to pay the bill at that fancy restaurant!
I had to sell my soul just to pay the bill at that fancy restaurant!
Exaggeration used for comedic effect regarding high prices.
I'm not asking for much, just pay the bill you promised to cover.
I'm not asking for much, just pay the bill you promised to cover.
Used here to demand responsibility.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence.
After we finished our dinner, my father asked to ___ the bill.
In English, we always 'pay' a bill. We do not 'give' or 'make' it in this context.
Complete the phrase for a household expense.
I forgot to pay the ___ bill, so the lights went out!
If the lights go out, it is specifically the electricity bill that was not paid.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Pay the Bill'
Used with friends or family.
I'll get this.
Standard usage for any situation.
I need to pay the bill.
Used in legal or high-end business.
Please settle the outstanding invoice.
Where to Pay the Bill
Restaurant
Paying after a meal.
At Home
Paying for Wi-Fi or heating.
Hospital
Paying for medical care.
Online
Using an app to pay a credit card.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, you can, but it sounds a bit formal. Usually, for small items, you just say pay for the coffee.
Yes, it is perfectly polite. It is a neutral statement of fact that works in any social setting.
A bill is usually for consumers (like at a restaurant), while an invoice is a formal business document sent between companies.
You can say, "Could we have the bill, please?" or "Check, please!" if you are in the US.
Usually, we say pay your taxes rather than pay the tax bill, though both are technically correct.
It means to pay for something, especially when the cost is high or someone else caused the expense. For example, My boss will foot the bill for the party.
Yes, it is a clear way to show you are treating your date. It is very common and appreciated.
Sometimes it means facing the consequences of your actions, but pay the price is more common for that meaning.
Use the bill when referring to a specific one in front of you. Use a bill when talking about bills in general.
The opposite would be charging someone or sending a bill to someone else.
عبارات ذات صلة
Settle the account
To pay the full amount owed on a formal record.
It's on me
A casual way to say you will pay for everyone.
Split the check
To divide the cost of a meal equally among people.
Run up a bill
To spend a lot of money that you will have to pay later.
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