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Spanish Phrase

Voy a pagar en efectivo.

/boj a paˈɣaɾ en eˈfek.ti.βo/
Meaning"I am going to pay in cash."
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Meaning

I’m going to pay in cash. The phrase indicates a decision made right now about the method of payment, using the near‑future construction *voy a*.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you’re at a shop, restaurant, market, or any place where you need to tell the cashier how you’ll settle the bill. It’s also handy when negotiating payment terms while traveling.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Voyapagarenefectivo

1

Ir (voy)

The verb *ir* in the first‑person singular present (voy) is used with *a* + infinitive to express a near‑future intention.

2

Future construction *ir + a + infinitive*

This periphrastic future is common in everyday speech and is equivalent to the simple future *pagaré*.

3

Infinitive *pagar*

The infinitive follows *a* and keeps the verb in its base form, meaning ‘to pay’.

4

Preposition *en* + noun

*En* introduces the means of payment; *en efectivo* literally means ‘in cash’.

5

Noun *efectivo*

*Efectivo* is the standard word for ‘cash’; it is a masculine singular noun.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Cómo vas a pagar?

How are you going to pay?

Voy a pagar en efectivo.

I’m going to pay in cash.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Pago en efectivo.

    Using the simple present *pago* is grammatically correct, but it sounds like a habitual action rather than a decision made now.

  • Voy a pagar con efectivo.

    *Con efectivo* is understandable, but native speakers prefer *en efectivo* for the method of payment.

  • Voy a pagar en efectivoo.

    The noun *efectivo* does not take an extra *o*; it’s a common typo for learners.

↔Alternatives

  • Pagaré en efectivo.

    I will pay in cash.

  • Voy a pagar con dinero en efectivo.

    I’m going to pay with cash.

  • Pagaré con efectivo.

    I will pay with cash.

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Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries cash remains the most widely accepted payment method, especially in small shops, street markets, and taxis. Saying *en efectivo* sounds a bit more formal than *con efectivo*, but both are understood. If you’re in a larger city, you might also hear *pago con tarjeta* for card payments. Remember that in some places merchants may ask you to confirm the amount before you hand over the cash, so be ready to say *¿Cuánto es?* (How much is it?).