Spanish Phrase
¿Cómo quieres pagar hoy?
Meaning
Literally, 'How do you want to pay today?' It’s a polite way to ask a customer which payment method they prefer—cash, card, mobile app, etc. The question is informal (tú) but can be adapted to formal contexts.
When to use
Use this sentence in shops, restaurants, cafés, or any point‑of‑sale situation when you need to know the customer’s preferred way of paying. It works both in face‑to‑face interactions and over the phone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cómoquierespagarhoy?
¿Cómo?
Interrogative adverb meaning 'how'. It always carries an accent to differentiate it from 'como' (as/like).
quieres
Second‑person singular present of the verb querer (to want). Used here to ask the listener’s preference.
pagar
Infinitive verb meaning 'to pay'. After querer, the infinitive follows directly without 'a' or 'de'.
hoy
Adverb of time meaning 'today'. Placed at the end of the question for natural flow.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo quieres pagar hoy?
How would you like to pay today?
Con tarjeta, por favor.
With a card, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Como quieres pagar hoy?
Missing accent changes the meaning to 'as' or 'like'. The question word must be '¿Cómo?'.
¿Cómo quiere pagar hoy?
Use 'quiere' or 'le gustaría' for formal address (usted). Mixing registers can sound rude.
↔Alternatives
¿De qué forma deseas pagar?
In what way would you like to pay?
¿Prefieres pagar en efectivo o con tarjeta?
Do you prefer to pay cash or with a card?
¿Cómo le gustaría pagar hoy?
How would you like to pay today? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries the informal 'tú' form (quieres) is common in everyday commerce, but in more formal settings—high‑end restaurants, hotels, or when speaking to an older customer—switch to the formal 'usted' form: '¿Cómo quiere pagar hoy?' or '¿Cómo le gustaría pagar?'. Also, always keep a friendly tone; a smile and eye contact make the question feel courteous.