pay a fine
يدفع غرامة
Use this phrase when money is required as a legal punishment for a specific rule violation.
Em 15 segundos
- Giving money as a legal penalty for breaking a rule.
- Commonly used for traffic tickets, late books, or minor offenses.
- A neutral term used in both official and casual conversations.
Significado
When you break a law or a rule, you have to give money to the government or an authority as a punishment.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Talking about a traffic ticket
I had to pay a fine because I parked in a loading zone.
I had to pay a fine because I parked in a loading zone.
Returning a library book late
The library made me pay a fine for returning the book a week late.
The library made me pay a fine for returning the book a week late.
In a legal or business meeting
The company was ordered to pay a fine for violating safety regulations.
The company was ordered to pay a fine for violating safety regulations.
Contexto cultural
In many Western cultures, fines are the primary way to enforce social order without using the court system for every small mistake. Interestingly, some countries like Finland calculate traffic fines based on your income, meaning a wealthy person might pay thousands for a simple speeding ticket.
The 'Early Bird' Discount
In many cities, if you pay a fine within 14 days, the amount is often reduced by 50%. Always check the back of the ticket!
Fine vs. Fee
A 'fee' is for a service (like a processing fee). A 'fine' is always a punishment. Don't call your doctor's bill a fine!
Em 15 segundos
- Giving money as a legal penalty for breaking a rule.
- Commonly used for traffic tickets, late books, or minor offenses.
- A neutral term used in both official and casual conversations.
What It Means
To pay a fine is the official way of saying you are giving money because you did something wrong. It is not a bill for a service. It is a penalty. You might have parked your car in the wrong spot. Maybe you returned a library book two weeks late. In all these cases, the law or the rule-maker says: "You owe us money for your mistake."
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a standard verb-object pair. You can pay a fine online, by mail, or in person. Usually, you use it with the word for to explain the reason. For example: "I had to pay a fine for speeding." It is a very direct phrase. It sounds serious but is a normal part of adult life. Don't worry, everyone does it eventually!
When To Use It
Use it when talking about legal issues or broken rules. It is perfect for traffic tickets or late fees at the gym. You can use it in professional settings or when complaining to friends. If you are texting a friend about why you are late, you might say: "The police stopped me and I have to pay a fine!"
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a regular bill. You don't pay a fine for your electricity or your dinner. That is just a bill. Also, do not use it for a bribe. A fine is official and legal. If you are giving money secretly to avoid trouble, that is a bribe. Using the wrong word here could cause a big misunderstanding!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking countries, paying a fine is seen as a fair way to handle minor crimes. It avoids jail time. Some people even joke about it as a "luxury tax" for driving too fast. However, it is also a source of stress. In places like the UK or USA, missing the deadline to pay a fine can make the cost double. It is a system built on strict deadlines and paperwork.
Common Variations
You might hear people say get a fine when they receive the ticket. You could also settle a fine. If the judge is nice, they might waive the fine, which means you don't have to pay it at all! That is the best-case scenario for any driver.
Notas de uso
The phrase is very stable and doesn't have many 'gotchas.' Just remember that 'pay' is the verb and 'fine' is the noun. In professional legal contexts, you might hear 'remit payment for a fine,' but 'pay a fine' is perfectly acceptable.
The 'Early Bird' Discount
In many cities, if you pay a fine within 14 days, the amount is often reduced by 50%. Always check the back of the ticket!
Fine vs. Fee
A 'fee' is for a service (like a processing fee). A 'fine' is always a punishment. Don't call your doctor's bill a fine!
Swear Jars
In some English-speaking homes, families have a 'swear jar.' If you say a bad word, you have to 'pay a fine' of $1 into the jar.
Exemplos
6I had to pay a fine because I parked in a loading zone.
I had to pay a fine because I parked in a loading zone.
A very common everyday use for driving mistakes.
The library made me pay a fine for returning the book a week late.
The library made me pay a fine for returning the book a week late.
Used here for small administrative penalties.
The company was ordered to pay a fine for violating safety regulations.
The company was ordered to pay a fine for violating safety regulations.
Shows the phrase used in a serious, corporate context.
Ugh, just had to pay a fine for speeding. There goes my weekend money!
Ugh, just had to pay a fine for speeding. There goes my weekend money!
Expressing frustration in an informal way.
If you leave your dishes in the sink again, you'll have to pay a fine to the 'clean kitchen fund'!
If you leave your dishes in the sink again, you'll have to pay a fine to the 'clean kitchen fund'!
Using the legal term jokingly for household rules.
I'm so stressed because I can't afford to pay this fine right now.
I'm so stressed because I can't afford to pay this fine right now.
Reflects the emotional weight of legal penalties.
Teste-se
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
If you don't return the DVD on time, you will have to ___ a fine.
In English, we always 'pay' a fine. We don't 'give' or 'make' one.
Identify the reason for the fine.
He had to pay a fine ___ speeding on the highway.
We use the preposition 'for' to explain the reason why the fine was issued.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Pay a Fine'
Complaining to friends about a ticket.
I gotta pay this stupid fine.
Standard daily conversation or news.
He had to pay a fine for littering.
Legal documents or court proceedings.
The defendant is ordered to pay a fine of $500.
When do you pay a fine?
Traffic Violation
Speeding or illegal parking.
Public Transit
Riding the train without a ticket.
Library
Returning books past the due date.
Environmental
Littering in a public park.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with a judge or with your best friend. For example, I paid the fine yesterday works in any situation.
No, the police issue or give the fine, but you pay it. You are the one losing the money!
A ticket is the piece of paper you receive. The fine is the actual money you have to pay because of that ticket.
Usually, we call that a late fee or a penalty. Fine is mostly used for legal or official rule-breaking.
Yes, it is used globally in all English-speaking countries. It is the standard term everywhere.
In English, we say the fine escalates or you might have to go to court. It's always better to pay it early!
Yes! You can say 'The officer fined me $100.' This means the same as 'The officer gave me a $100 fine.'
Use for for the reason (for speeding) and of for the amount (a fine of $50).
Sometimes a judge allows this, but usually, pay implies money. You would say 'I'm doing community service instead of paying a fine.'
A heavy fine is just a way to say the fine is a very large amount of money. It's a common collocation.
Frases relacionadas
get a ticket
To receive an official notice of a traffic or parking violation.
late fee
A small charge for not paying a bill or returning an item on time.
penalty charge
A more formal term for money paid as punishment for breaking a contract or rule.
slap on the wrist
An idiom for a very small punishment that doesn't really hurt the person.
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