Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo tengo que pagar?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for the specific time or deadline when a payment must be made. It can refer to a bill, rent, tuition, or any other financial obligation.
When to use
Use this question when you need to know the exact date or time you must settle a payment—whether you’re talking to a landlord, a teacher, a utility company, or a friend about splitting a dinner bill.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándotengoquepagar?
¿Cuándo?
Interrogative adverb meaning 'when', used to ask about time.
tener que + infinitivo
Construction that expresses obligation or necessity; the verb 'tener' is conjugated and followed by 'que' plus an infinitive.
pagar
Infinitive verb meaning 'to pay'. In this sentence it is the action that is required.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo tengo que pagar?
When do I have to pay?
Tienes que pagar antes del viernes.
You have to pay before Friday.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuándo tengo pagar?
The construction requires 'que' between 'tener' and the infinitive.
¿Cuándo tengo que pago?
Use the infinitive 'pagar' after 'tener que', not the conjugated form 'pago'.
¿Cuando tengo que pagar?
Remember the accent on 'cuándo' when it is used in a question.
↔Alternatives
¿A qué hora debo pagar?
What time should I pay?
¿Cuál es la fecha límite para pagar?
What is the deadline to pay?
¿Cuándo es la fecha de pago?
When is the payment date?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries bills (electricidad, agua, internet) are usually due at the end of the month, and punctuality is taken seriously. When you ask about a payment, it’s polite to use the formal "usted" form with strangers or business contacts, e.g., "¿Cuándo tengo que pagar, señor García?". In informal settings with friends, the casual "tú" form is fine.