How to Say ‘Can I pay?’ in Japanese
払えますか。
harae masu ka
[hah-rah-eh mahs ka]
💬 Usage Tip: 払えます is the "can" version of 払います "pay." The same change turns 買います "buy" into 買えます "can buy."
Phrase Breakdown
払え
harae
[hah-rah-eh]
can pay
Potential form of 払う, meaning someone is able to pay or payment is accepted.
ここで払えますか。
Can I pay here?
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.
予約を確認し ます。
I will confirm the reservation.
か
ka
[ka]
question particle
Indicates a question with previous verb.
飲みませんか？
Won't you drink?
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