In 15 Seconds
- Using physical banknotes and coins to complete a purchase.
- Commonly used at small shops, markets, or for tipping.
- A direct alternative to using credit cards or digital apps.
Meaning
This means you are paying for something using physical money like paper bills or metal coins. You aren't using a credit card, a phone app, or a check.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a local bakery
I'll pay in cash since it's just a small coffee.
سأدفع نقدًا لأنها مجرد قهوة صغيرة.
Asking a shopkeeper
Can I pay in cash here, or do you only take cards?
هل يمكنني الدفع نقدًا هنا، أم أنكم تقبلون البطاقات فقط؟
Settling a professional service fee
The contractor requested that we pay in cash for the repairs.
طلب المقاول أن ندفع نقدًا مقابل الإصلاحات.
Cultural Background
Japan is a very cash-heavy society. Even high-end stores might not accept cards. It is considered polite to place your cash on a small tray provided at the counter rather than handing it directly to the cashier. Germans value privacy and often prefer cash for daily purchases. Many restaurants in Berlin still have 'Nur Bargeld' (Cash Only) signs. While cards are common, cash is essential for tipping. If you pay for a meal by card, you might still leave the tip in cash on the table. In major cities, cash is becoming rare. Most people use QR codes. If you pay in cash, the cashier might not even have enough change to give back to you!
Always carry a little cash
Even in digital cities, small shops or parking meters might require you to pay in cash.
Safety first
Avoid showing large amounts of money when you prepare to pay in cash in crowded public places.
In 15 Seconds
- Using physical banknotes and coins to complete a purchase.
- Commonly used at small shops, markets, or for tipping.
- A direct alternative to using credit cards or digital apps.
What It Means
To pay in cash is the oldest way to buy things. You hand over physical banknotes or coins to a person. It is direct and immediate. There are no banks or digital signals involved in the moment. It feels very real because you can actually see the money leaving your hand.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase when a cashier asks how you want to pay. You can say, "I’ll pay in cash." It also works when you are splitting a bill with friends. If you don't have a payment app, you just give them a ten-dollar bill. It is a simple, active verb phrase. You can also say pay with cash, which means the exact same thing.
When To Use It
Use it at small local shops or farmers' markets. Some tiny cafes might only take cash. It is great for small purchases like a pack of gum. Use it when you want to keep your spending private. It is also perfect for tipping delivery drivers or waiters. Giving a physical bill feels more personal than adding a digital tip. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when the card machine is broken!
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for very expensive things like a car or a house. Walking around with a suitcase of money looks suspicious. Most modern offices won't let you pay in cash for utilities or rent. They prefer digital records for safety. Also, avoid it in "cashless" businesses. Many trendy city coffee shops now only take cards. If you try to pay in cash there, you might get a confused look.
Cultural Background
In many Western countries, cash is becoming less common. However, in places like Germany or Japan, people still love to pay in cash. It represents privacy and control. In the US, there is a saying "Cash is king." This means cash is always accepted and sometimes gets you a discount. Some small gas stations even offer a lower price if you pay in cash instead of credit.
Common Variations
You might hear people say "pay cold hard cash" for emphasis. This usually implies a large amount of physical money. Another variation is "cash on delivery" (COD). This is when you pay the person who brings a package to your door. If you are paying someone secretly or unofficially, people might say you are paying "under the table."
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and fits into almost any social or professional situation. The only 'gotcha' is to ensure you don't use 'in' when referring to cards (it's 'by card', not 'in card').
Always carry a little cash
Even in digital cities, small shops or parking meters might require you to pay in cash.
Safety first
Avoid showing large amounts of money when you prepare to pay in cash in crowded public places.
Ask for a discount
In some markets, asking 'Can I get a discount if I pay in cash?' can save you 5-10%.
Examples
6I'll pay in cash since it's just a small coffee.
سأدفع نقدًا لأنها مجرد قهوة صغيرة.
Common for small transactions to avoid card fees.
Can I pay in cash here, or do you only take cards?
هل يمكنني الدفع نقدًا هنا، أم أنكم تقبلون البطاقات فقط؟
A polite way to check payment methods.
The contractor requested that we pay in cash for the repairs.
طلب المقاول أن ندفع نقدًا مقابل الإصلاحات.
Formal context where a specific payment method is requested.
I don't have Venmo, so I'll just pay in cash when I see you!
ليس لدي تطبيق Venmo، لذا سأدفع لك نقدًا عندما أراك!
Informal way to settle a debt between friends.
I'm so broke I can't even pay in cash for a candy bar.
أنا مفلس تمامًا لدرجة أنني لا أستطيع حتى دفع ثمن لوح حلوى نقدًا.
Using the phrase to joke about having no money.
He didn't have a bank account, so I had to pay in cash to help him.
لم يكن لديه حساب بنكي، لذا اضطررت للدفع نقدًا لمساعدته.
Using cash to help someone who is unbanked.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
I don't have my credit card, so I will pay ___ cash.
'In cash' is the most standard collocation for physical money.
Choose the most natural sentence.
Which sentence sounds most like a native speaker?
We do not use 'the' before 'cash' in this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Shopkeeper: 'That will be $12.50.' Customer: 'Oh, I only have a $20 bill. Is it okay if I ___?'
A $20 bill is physical money, so you 'pay in cash.'
Match the payment method to the situation.
You are at a garage sale buying an old lamp for $2.
Garage sales almost exclusively accept cash for small items.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
In Cash vs. By Card
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI don't have my credit card, so I will pay ___ cash.
'In cash' is the most standard collocation for physical money.
Which sentence sounds most like a native speaker?
We do not use 'the' before 'cash' in this phrase.
Shopkeeper: 'That will be $12.50.' Customer: 'Oh, I only have a $20 bill. Is it okay if I ___?'
A $20 bill is physical money, so you 'pay in cash.'
You are at a garage sale buying an old lamp for $2.
Garage sales almost exclusively accept cash for small items.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct! 'In cash' is slightly more common as a general phrase, while 'with cash' emphasizes the physical bills you are holding.
Not usually, but it might take the cashier longer to count it. It's perfectly fine in most restaurants.
Usually to avoid the fees that credit card companies charge the shop for every transaction.
It's understood, but 'in cash' is much more natural. Native speakers almost always use 'in' or 'with'.
Paying by card, paying digitally, or using a mobile wallet (like Apple Pay).
It is an uncountable noun. You never say 'cashes.' You say 'a lot of cash' or 'some cash.'
Yes! Cash refers to both paper banknotes and metal coins.
When shopping online or when you need a digital record of your purchase for a warranty or tax return.
Yes, 'I'll pay cash' is very common and slightly more informal than 'I'll pay in cash.'
It's an idiom meaning that physical money is the most reliable and powerful form of payment, especially in emergencies.
Related Phrases
cash only
similarA store that does not accept cards.
cold hard cash
specialized formPhysical bills and coins, emphasized.
cash on delivery
specialized formPaying when the item arrives.
pay by card
contrastUsing a credit or debit card.
