Italian Phrase
Siamo pronti a pagare.
Meaning
Literally ‘We are ready to pay.’ It signals that the speakers are prepared to settle a bill or make a payment, often after a meal, a purchase, or a service.
When to use
Use this phrase in restaurants, cafés, shops, or any situation where you want to tell the staff you’re prepared to hand over the money. It’s a polite way to move the transaction forward without sounding demanding.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Siamoprontiapagare
Essere (Siamo)
‘Siamo’ is the 1st‑person plural present of the verb ‘essere’ (to be). It is used for ‘we are’.
Adjective Agreement (pronti)
‘Pronti’ is the masculine plural form of the adjective ‘pronto’ (ready). It must agree with the subject ‘noi’ (we). For an all‑female group use ‘pronte’.
Preposition + Infinitive (a pagare)
The construction ‘a + infinitive’ expresses readiness or willingness to do something, similar to ‘ready to …’ in English.
🗨In Conversation
Il conto è pronto, signori.
The bill is ready, gentlemen.
Sì, siamo pronti a pagare.
Yes, we are ready to pay.
✕Common Mistakes
Siamo pronto a pagare.
‘Pronto’ is singular; with ‘noi’ you need the plural ‘pronti’ (or ‘pronte’ for all‑female groups).
Siamo pronti di pagare.
The preposition after ‘pronti’ is ‘a’, not ‘di’. ‘Di pagare’ changes the meaning.
Siamo pronti a paghiamo.
Use the infinitive ‘pagare’ after ‘a’; ‘paghiamo’ is a finite verb and does not fit this construction.
↔Alternatives
Siamo disposti a pagare.
We are willing to pay.
Siamo pronti a saldare il conto.
We are ready to settle the bill.
Possiamo pagare adesso.
We can pay now.
Cultural Tip
In Italy it’s common to ask for the bill with ‘Il conto, per favore.’ When you say you’re ready to pay, you’re showing respect for the server’s time. If you’re in a group with mixed genders, ‘pronti’ works for everyone; for an all‑female group you would say ‘pronte’. Also, never forget to say ‘Grazie’ after the payment – it’s a small but appreciated gesture.