Portuguese Phrase
Vou pagar em dinheiro.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I will pay in cash.’ The speaker is stating the intention to settle a bill using physical money rather than a card or digital method.
When to use
Use this sentence at shops, restaurants, markets, or any place where you need to tell the cashier or service staff how you intend to settle the bill. It’s also handy when negotiating a discount that might be offered for cash payments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Voupagaremdinheiro
Vou (ir + infinitive)
‘Vou’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘ir’ used with an infinitive to express a near‑future action.
pagar (infinitive)
The verb ‘pagar’ means ‘to pay’; in this construction it stays in the infinitive after ‘vou’.
em (preposition)
‘Em’ is the preposition used to indicate the means of payment (in, with).
dinheiro (noun)
‘Dinheiro’ means ‘cash’ or ‘money’; it is a masculine singular noun.
🗨In Conversation
Como você vai pagar?
How are you going to pay?
Vou pagar em dinheiro.
I’ll pay in cash.
✕Common Mistakes
Vou pagar com dinheiro.
Use ‘em’ (in) rather than ‘com’ (with) when indicating the means of payment.
Vou pagar em dinheiroes.
‘Dinheiro’ is singular; do not add an ‘s’ unless you’re talking about multiple types of money.
↔Alternatives
Vou pagar à vista em dinheiro.
I’ll pay the full amount in cash.
Prefiro pagar em dinheiro.
I prefer to pay in cash.
Vou pagar com dinheiro.
I’ll pay with cash.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, cash is still widely accepted and sometimes earns a small discount, especially in smaller shops or markets. However, many larger establishments prefer cards or digital wallets. Saying ‘Vou pagar em dinheiro’ can signal that you’re ready for a quick transaction, but be aware that some places may ask if you’d like a receipt or change in a specific denomination.