How to Say ‘Can I pay?’ in Japanese
払えますか
harae masu ka
[harae masu ka]
💬 Usage Tip: [払えますか] is the "can do it?" form of [払う] "to pay," so you can reuse this pattern with other verbs: [使えますか] "can I use it?", [座れますか] "can I sit?"
Phrase Breakdown
払え
harae
[harae]
can pay
From 払う, meaning to pay; 払え expresses the potential stem, showing ability.
ここで払えますか。
Can I pay here?
ます
masu
[masu]
polite verb ending
A polite ending attached to verbs in everyday formal speech.
カードで払えますか。
Can I pay by card?
か
ka
[ka]
question marker
A sentence-ending particle used to make a polite question.
カードで払えますか。
Can I pay by card?
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