não pagar conta
to pay bill
Literally: {"n\u00e3o":"not","pagar":"to pay","conta":"bill"}
In 15 Seconds
- Avoids paying their share of a bill.
- Implies social awkwardness or evasion.
- Used humorously or with mild annoyance.
- Common in informal group settings.
Meaning
This phrase isn't just about forgetting to pay a bill. It's about that awkward moment when the check arrives, and suddenly everyone's busy, or someone 'forgets' their wallet. It carries a vibe of social avoidance and dodging financial responsibility, often with a hint of playful exasperation from the person who ends up paying. It’s that cringe-worthy dance of not wanting to be the one stuck with the bill.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend after a group dinner
Aquele jantar foi ótimo, mas o Ricardo tentou `não pagar conta` de novo!
That dinner was great, but Ricardo tried to `not pay the bill` again!
At a café with friends
Quando o garçom trouxe a conta, a Sofia `não pagou conta` e foi direto para o banheiro.
When the waiter brought the bill, Sofia `didn't pay the bill` and went straight to the restroom.
Instagram caption about a funny friend group moment
Sempre um de nós tentando `não pagar conta` 😂 #amigos #controversia
Always one of us trying to `not pay the bill` 😂 #friends #controversy
Cultural Background
This phrase likely arose from the social practice of communal dining and shared expenses in Portuguese-speaking cultures. In societies where meals are often shared among friends or family, the unspoken expectation is fair contribution. The existence of a specific phrase to describe someone *avoiding* this contribution highlights its social significance and the mild disapproval or amusement it garners. It reflects a cultural value placed on fairness and reciprocity in social settings, making the act of 'not paying the bill' a recognizable, albeit sometimes frustrating, social phenomenon.
The 'Wallet Forget' Ploy
The classic move is 'esqueci a carteira' (I forgot my wallet). When someone pulls this, they might be genuinely forgetful, or they might be trying to `não pagar conta`!
Mastering the Nuance
Remember, `não pagar conta` implies an *attempt* or *habit* of avoidance, not necessarily successful evasion or inability to pay. It’s about the social game.
In 15 Seconds
- Avoids paying their share of a bill.
- Implies social awkwardness or evasion.
- Used humorously or with mild annoyance.
- Common in informal group settings.
What It Means
This phrase não pagar conta is more than just failing to pay. It’s about the social drama of avoiding your share of a bill. Think of that friend who suddenly needs the restroom when the waiter brings the check. It implies a deliberate act of evasion, not just forgetfulness. It’s that awkward silence when the bill lands on the table. The vibe is usually a mix of annoyance and amusement. It’s a common scenario in group outings. You’ve probably seen it in movies or TV shows. It’s a universal experience, really.
How To Use It
Use não pagar conta when someone actively dodges paying. It’s often used humorously or with mild frustration. You can say someone não pagou a conta (didn't pay the bill). Or you can warn someone: 'Don't be *that* person who doesn't pay the bill.' It’s a colloquial expression. You wouldn’t use it in a formal financial report. It’s for everyday conversations with friends. Imagine you’re at dinner with a group. One person always seems to 'forget' their wallet. That’s the perfect scenario for this phrase. You might say, 'Watch out, João always tries to não pagar conta!' It’s a way to describe a predictable, slightly annoying behavior. It’s about the *act* of not paying, not just the consequence.
Real-Life Examples
Picture this: You're out with friends, and the bill arrives. Suddenly, one friend is glued to their phone, pretending not to see it. You might whisper to another friend, 'Look at him, trying to não pagar conta again!' Or maybe you're texting your partner about an upcoming dinner with a notoriously stingy acquaintance. You could text: 'Just a heads-up, Maria might try to não pagar conta.' In a YouTube vlog about a group trip, a vlogger might jokingly say, 'We all chipped in, but guess who tried to não pagar conta? (Spoiler: it was Pedro!)' On a dating app profile, someone might humorously list 'hates people who não pagam conta' as a pet peeve. It’s relatable content for many! Even in a casual Netflix show, a character might sigh, 'Here we go again, someone's trying to não pagar conta.'
When To Use It
Use não pagar conta for social situations. It applies when a group shares expenses. Think restaurants, bars, or shared taxis. It’s for when someone actively avoids their financial part. It implies a conscious decision to shirk responsibility. It’s best used when the situation is informal. You’re talking to friends or family. It can be used to describe a past event. 'He always não pagou a conta when we went out.' It can also be a warning about future behavior. 'Be careful, she might não pagar conta.' It’s perfect for lighthearted complaints. It captures that specific social awkwardness. It’s like saying, 'They’re pulling the disappearing act on the bill.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid não pagar conta in formal settings. Don't use it in business meetings or official reports. It’s not for discussing serious financial defaults. If a company legally fails to pay its suppliers, you wouldn't say they are trying to não pagar conta. That’s a different ballgame. Also, don't use it if someone genuinely forgot. If they realize their mistake and apologize, they didn't *try* to não pagar conta. It’s about intentional avoidance. Don't use it for personal debts between close family members, unless it's a very specific inside joke. It can sound harsh otherwise. And never use it if you are the one who is supposed to pay; that would be incredibly awkward! It's not for situations where there's no bill to pay, obviously. That would be like saying 'I didn't eat the invisible cake.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up não pagar conta with simply forgetting. Forgetting is unintentional. Não pagar conta is intentional avoidance. Another mistake is using it in formal contexts. Imagine a job interview: 'My biggest weakness? Sometimes I não pago a conta.' Oops! That’s not a good look. Also, confusing it with genuine inability to pay is common. If someone truly has no money, they aren't 'trying' to não pagar conta; they're just broke. The phrase implies they *could* pay but choose not to, often through trickery or avoidance.
não esquecer conta
✓não pagar conta
(You don't 'forget the bill', you 'don't pay the bill'.)
não pagar dívida
✓não pagar conta
(Dívida is a debt, conta is a bill/check, often in a social context.)
não pagar o preço
✓não pagar conta
(Pagar o preço is paying the price for something, literally or figuratively.)
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to express similar ideas. Dar um perdido means to disappear or sneak away, which is often how someone avoids paying. Ficar de migué is slang for being sneaky or trying to trick someone, often to avoid paying. Sair sem pagar is more direct: 'to leave without paying'. Esquecer a carteira (to forget the wallet) is a common excuse, though not the act itself. Dividir a conta means 'to split the bill', the opposite of someone trying to não pagar conta. Each has a slightly different flavor. Dar um perdido is about the escape. Ficar de migué is about the cunning. Sair sem pagar is the actual act of leaving.
Common Variations
While não pagar conta is standard, you might hear slight variations. People often use the verb sumir (to disappear) in this context. 'Ele sumiu quando a conta chegou' (He disappeared when the bill arrived). This implies he tried to não pagar conta. Sometimes, people use dar o calote, which is a stronger term for scamming or defaulting on a payment, often more serious than just avoiding a dinner bill. 'Ela deu o calote no hotel' (She scammed the hotel). For a lighter touch, you might hear 'Ele deu uma escorregada na conta' (He 'slipped up' on the bill), meaning he tried to get out of paying. The core idea remains: avoiding payment.
Memory Trick
Imagine a cartoon character, a sneaky fox named Nico, who always tries to não pagar conta. Nico is so sly, he literally não (not) pagar (pay) the conta (bill)! Picture Nico tiptoeing away from a restaurant table, leaving his friends with the check. Whenever you see a fox trying to sneak away from a bill, you'll remember Nico: Não Pagar Conta.
Quick FAQ
Is it always about restaurants? Not necessarily, it can be any shared bill. Is it a serious accusation? Usually not, often used humorously. Does it mean they *never* pay? No, it means they *try* to avoid paying in a specific instance. Can it be used for online subscriptions? Less common, but possible if someone tries to cancel unfairly.
Usage Notes
This phrase is firmly in the informal register, best used among friends or in casual conversation. Avoid it in professional or formal settings, where it might sound inappropriate or overly critical. The key is the implication of social maneuvering to avoid a shared expense, rather than genuine inability to pay or simple forgetfulness.
The 'Wallet Forget' Ploy
The classic move is 'esqueci a carteira' (I forgot my wallet). When someone pulls this, they might be genuinely forgetful, or they might be trying to `não pagar conta`!
Mastering the Nuance
Remember, `não pagar conta` implies an *attempt* or *habit* of avoidance, not necessarily successful evasion or inability to pay. It’s about the social game.
The Awkward Silence Trap
Don't be the one who freezes when the bill comes! If you plan to pay, be clear. If you can't, communicate beforehand to avoid looking like you're trying to `não pagar conta`.
The 'Dividir a Conta' Culture
In many Portuguese-speaking contexts, splitting the bill (`dividir a conta`) is the default. Someone trying to `não pagar conta` goes against this norm of fairness, hence the common reactions.
Examples
12Aquele jantar foi ótimo, mas o Ricardo tentou `não pagar conta` de novo!
That dinner was great, but Ricardo tried to `not pay the bill` again!
Here, `não pagar conta` describes Ricardo's attempt to avoid paying his share.
Quando o garçom trouxe a conta, a Sofia `não pagou conta` e foi direto para o banheiro.
When the waiter brought the bill, Sofia `didn't pay the bill` and went straight to the restroom.
This shows the action of avoiding payment by disappearing.
Sempre um de nós tentando `não pagar conta` 😂 #amigos #controversia
Always one of us trying to `not pay the bill` 😂 #friends #controversy
Used humorously in a social media context to describe a relatable friend group dynamic.
Lembre-se que a Carla costuma `não pagar conta`, traga dinheiro extra.
Remember that Carla usually `doesn't pay the bill`, bring extra money.
This is a warning based on past behavior, highlighting the predictability of the action.
E a melhor parte? Tentar convencer o André a não `pagar conta` foi impossível!
And the best part? Trying to convince André not to `pay the bill` was impossible!
This implies the vlogger *expected* André to try and avoid paying, adding a layer of playful challenge.
Ele sempre arranja uma desculpa para `não pagar conta` quando saímos em grupo.
He always finds an excuse to `not pay the bill` when we go out in a group.
Focuses on the 'excuse' aspect, emphasizing the deliberate avoidance.
✗ Eu não `esqueci conta` no restaurante. → ✓ Eu não `paguei conta` no restaurante.
✗ I didn't `forget the bill` at the restaurant. → ✓ I didn't `pay the bill` at the restaurant.
Highlights the difference between forgetting and actively not paying.
✗ Ele tentou `não pagar dívida` do jantar. → ✓ Ele tentou `não pagar conta` do jantar.
✗ He tried to `not pay the debt` of the dinner. → ✓ He tried to `not pay the bill` of the dinner.
Corrects the misuse of `dívida` (debt) for a social `conta` (bill).
Fiquei tão chateada porque tive que `pagar conta` sozinha de novo por causa dele.
I was so upset because I had to `pay the bill` alone again because of him.
Focuses on the consequence for the person left paying, expressing frustration.
O Pedro tem o superpoder de `não pagar conta` sempre que a conta chega!
Pedro has the superpower of `not paying the bill` whenever the check arrives!
Uses hyperbole ('superpower') for comedic effect, emphasizing the friend's predictable avoidance.
Cuidado com o novo estagiário, ele pode tentar `não pagar conta` no almoço!
Watch out for the new intern, he might try to `not pay the bill` at lunch!
Used in a lighthearted, professional context among colleagues, implying a playful warning.
No final da viagem, ninguém queria `pagar conta` do táxi para o aeroporto.
At the end of the trip, nobody wanted to `pay the bill` for the taxi to the airport.
Shows the phrase applied to a different type of shared expense (taxi fare).
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The context suggests an attempt to avoid paying, making 'não pagar conta' the correct choice.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence uses 'não pagar conta' appropriately?
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe the act of trying to avoid paying one's share in a group.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While 'boleto' is a type of bill, in the context of a restaurant meal with friends, 'conta' is the appropriate word.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
The context implies avoidance, so 'não pagar a conta' (not pay the bill) is the correct choice.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence best describes someone avoiding their share of a bill?
This option clearly indicates an attempt to avoid payment, fitting the meaning of the phrase.
Identify and correct the misuse of the phrase.
'Não pagar conta' is typically used for social situations, not government financial obligations. 'Deixar de pagar' (to stop paying/fail to pay) is more appropriate here.
Select the most fitting phrase for the context.
The context implies a sneaky or clever way to avoid payment, which is the essence of 'não pagar conta'.
Translate the sentence into Portuguese.
This translates the sentiment directly, using the target phrase appropriately.
Choose the sentence that correctly conveys the nuance of avoiding payment.
Which sentence implies someone actively tried to avoid paying?
This option uses 'dá um jeito de' (finds a way to), strongly implying intentional avoidance of payment.
Identify and correct the mistake.
The double negative 'não quis não pagar' (didn't want not to pay) is awkward and incorrect here. The intended meaning is likely that he *did* pay, or he *refused* to avoid paying. If the intent was avoidance, it should be 'ele tentou não pagar conta'. Assuming he didn't want to avoid paying, the simplest correction is 'não quis pagar conta' (he didn't want to pay the bill - implying he paid it).
Translate the sentence into Portuguese.
This translation links the action ('sumiu') with the intent ('tentando não pagar conta').
Choose the best option to complete the sentence.
The context 'é muito chato' (it's very annoying) points to the negative action of trying to avoid payment.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'Não Pagar Conta'
Used among close friends, often humorously or with mild exasperation. Can involve slang terms.
Aquele cara sempre dá um jeito de não pagar conta!
Standard for everyday conversations about social situations involving shared bills.
Ele tentou não pagar conta no jantar de ontem.
Less common, might be used when describing someone's behavior objectively but still in a relatable context.
O comportamento de não pagar conta é mal visto.
Not typically used in formal settings. Would sound out of place.
N/A
Where You'll Hear 'Não Pagar Conta'
Dinner with friends
Quem vai pagar? O Zé tentou não pagar conta.
Group trip expenses
No final, ninguém queria não pagar conta do táxi.
Sharing a streaming subscription
Ele sumiu pra não pagar conta da Netflix.
Casual drinks after work
A Ana sempre 'esquece' a carteira pra não pagar conta.
Online gaming groups (shared costs)
Ele não pagou conta do servidor de novo!
Movie night with roommates
Foi engraçado ver ele tentando não pagar conta da pizza.
Comparing 'Não Pagar Conta' with Similar Phrases
Scenarios for 'Não Pagar Conta'
Intentional Avoidance
- • Pretending to be busy
- • Suddenly needing the restroom
- • Forgetting wallet (as an excuse)
- • Distracting others
Contexts
- • Restaurants
- • Bars
- • Group trips
- • Shared subscriptions
Connotation
- • Humorous
- • Annoying
- • Relatable
- • Slightly frowned upon
Related Actions
- • Sumir (to disappear)
- • Fingir (to pretend)
- • Dar desculpas (to make excuses)
Practice Bank
12 exercisesQuando a conta chegou, ele fingiu não ver e tentou _______.
The context suggests an attempt to avoid paying, making 'não pagar conta' the correct choice.
Which sentence uses 'não pagar conta' appropriately?
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe the act of trying to avoid paying one's share in a group.
Find and fix the mistake:
No restaurante, ele sempre faz um jeito de não pagar o boleto.
While 'boleto' is a type of bill, in the context of a restaurant meal with friends, 'conta' is the appropriate word.
A Maria sempre inventa uma desculpa para _______ quando saímos.
The context implies avoidance, so 'não pagar a conta' (not pay the bill) is the correct choice.
Which sentence best describes someone avoiding their share of a bill?
This option clearly indicates an attempt to avoid payment, fitting the meaning of the phrase.
Find and fix the mistake:
O governo não quer não pagar conta dos impostos.
'Não pagar conta' is typically used for social situations, not government financial obligations. 'Deixar de pagar' (to stop paying/fail to pay) is more appropriate here.
Depois daquele jantar caro, ele deu um jeito de _______.
The context implies a sneaky or clever way to avoid payment, which is the essence of 'não pagar conta'.
It's rude to try not to pay the bill.
Hints: Use 'é deselegante' for 'it's rude'., Remember the phrase 'não pagar conta'.
This translates the sentiment directly, using the target phrase appropriately.
Which sentence implies someone actively tried to avoid paying?
This option uses 'dá um jeito de' (finds a way to), strongly implying intentional avoidance of payment.
Find and fix the mistake:
Naquela festa, ele não quis não pagar conta.
The double negative 'não quis não pagar' (didn't want not to pay) is awkward and incorrect here. The intended meaning is likely that he *did* pay, or he *refused* to avoid paying. If the intent was avoidance, it should be 'ele tentou não pagar conta'. Assuming he didn't want to avoid paying, the simplest correction is 'não quis pagar conta' (he didn't want to pay the bill - implying he paid it).
She disappeared when the bill arrived, trying not to pay.
Hints: 'Sumir' means 'to disappear'., Connect the disappearance to the act of not paying.
This translation links the action ('sumiu') with the intent ('tentando não pagar conta').
É muito chato quando um amigo tenta _______.
The context 'é muito chato' (it's very annoying) points to the negative action of trying to avoid payment.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
21 questionsLiterally, it translates to 'not pay bill'. However, its common usage goes beyond simple non-payment. It implies a social maneuver to avoid contributing one's share to a shared expense, often in a group setting like a restaurant.
It usually carries a negative connotation, implying someone is being cheap, sneaky, or irresponsible. However, it's often used humorously among friends to describe predictable, slightly annoying behavior, so the tone can vary greatly depending on the context and relationship.
Generally, no. This phrase is reserved for informal, social situations, like meals or outings with friends. For failing to pay official bills like utilities or rent, you'd use phrases like 'atrasar o pagamento' (to delay payment) or 'não pagar a fatura' (not pay the invoice).
'Esquecer a conta' means to forget the bill itself, perhaps leaving it behind. 'Não pagar conta', however, refers to the act of deliberately not paying one's share, often using excuses or tricks, rather than simple forgetfulness.
You can say someone 'tentou não pagar conta' (tried not to pay the bill) or 'sempre não paga conta' (always doesn't pay the bill). For example: 'No jantar, o Rui tentou não pagar conta, mas nós insistimos.' (At dinner, Rui tried not to pay the bill, but we insisted).
If someone truly lacks the funds, they aren't 'trying to não pagar conta'. That phrase implies they *could* pay but are choosing not to through evasion. In a case of inability to pay, you might say 'ele não tem dinheiro para pagar' (he doesn't have money to pay).
Yes, the phrase 'não pagar conta' is understood and used in both Brazil and Portugal, particularly in informal conversations among friends and family. Its core meaning of social bill-dodging is consistent across the Portuguese-speaking world.
Classic excuses include 'I forgot my wallet,' 'I need to use the restroom right now,' 'My card isn't working,' or simply pretending to be engrossed in a phone call or conversation to avoid the bill arriving.
It can be used metaphorically, yes. If someone signs up for a service, uses it, and then tries to find a loophole to avoid paying the subscription fee, you might jokingly say they are trying to 'não pagar conta' for the service.
The most direct opposite is 'pagar a conta' (to pay the bill). Other related opposites include 'dividir a conta' (to split the bill) or 'pagar a parte de todos' (to pay everyone's share).
Yes, depending on the region, slang terms like 'ficar de migué' (to be sneaky) or 'dar um perdido' (to sneak away) can be used in situations where someone is trying to avoid paying, though they are broader terms.
'Dar o calote' is a stronger term, implying a more serious scam or default on a payment, often involving a larger sum or a deliberate act of fraud. It's usually more severe than the social maneuvering implied by 'não pagar conta'.
Reactions vary. It could be mild annoyance, playful teasing ('Ah, você de novo!'), or genuine frustration if it happens often. Sometimes, people just sigh and cover the cost to avoid conflict, but the behavior itself is generally seen as impolite.
It's generally too informal for professional settings. You wouldn't typically accuse a business associate of trying to 'não pagar conta'. For professional contexts, you'd use more formal language like 'evitar o pagamento' (avoid payment) or 'inadimplência' (default/non-payment).
'Sair sem pagar' is the act of leaving a place (like a restaurant) without making any payment at all, which is a crime. 'Não pagar conta' is more about the social dynamic of avoiding your specific share within a group, often involving excuses or tricks rather than outright fleeing.
Yes, it's quite common! People often post memes, jokes, or relatable stories about friends trying to 'não pagar conta' on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. It resonates with many people's experiences.
Not necessarily. It implies a choice or a habit of avoidance, rather than a lack of funds. Someone who is wealthy might still try to 'não pagar conta' among friends as a character trait or a joke.
You could directly address it ('Vamos dividir a conta certinho?' - Let's split the bill properly?), subtly bring attention to it ('Ok, how much does everyone owe?'), or simply pay it and decide later if you want to address the pattern with the friend privately.
Absolutely. If you and friends take a taxi together, and one person tries to disappear or pretend they didn't notice the fare, you could say they were trying to 'não pagar conta' for the ride.
It carries a weight of mild betrayal or annoyance, especially if it's a recurring behavior. It taps into the social contract of fairness within friendships and can evoke feelings of frustration or exasperation from those left covering the cost.
Context is key. Among close friends, it can be a lighthearted jab. In a less familiar group, it could be a serious accusation of stinginess. The tone of voice, accompanying gestures, and the specific situation all modify the perceived severity.
Related Phrases
Pagar a conta
antonymTo pay the bill.
This is the direct opposite action, representing fulfilling the financial obligation rather than avoiding it.
Dividir a conta
related topicTo split the bill.
This phrase describes the common practice of sharing expenses, which is the expected behavior contrasted by 'não pagar conta'.
Dar um perdido
related topicTo sneak away, disappear.
This describes the *method* someone might use when trying to 'não pagar conta', focusing on the act of disappearing.
Ficar de migué
related topicTo be sneaky or tricky.
This captures the cunning or deceitful nature often involved when someone attempts to 'não pagar conta'.
Sair sem pagar
related topicTo leave without paying.
This is a more extreme and often illegal action, whereas 'não pagar conta' usually refers to social avoidance within a group.
Dar o calote
related topicTo scam someone, default on a payment.
This is a more serious term for intentional non-payment, often implying fraud or a significant debt, unlike the typical social bill-dodging.
Pagar o mico
related topicTo endure embarrassment or awkwardness.
This phrase describes the feeling the person left paying might experience, or the awkwardness of the situation created by someone trying to 'não pagar conta'.
