платить vs заплатить

platit' vs zaplatit' — pay generally vs pay one bill

What it really means

Платить describes paying as a regular action, process, or obligation. Заплатить marks one payment as completed: a bill, fare, or amount has been paid.

Both can take за plus accusative for what one pays for; the amount itself is commonly accusative.

Examples in natural speech

Я плачу за квартиру каждый месяц.
I pay for the apartment every month.
Здесь можно платить картой.
You can pay by card here.
Кто будет платить за ужин?
Who will pay for dinner?
Я заплатил за билет онлайн.
I paid for the ticket online.
Заплати водителю наличными.
Pay the driver in cash.

Common mistakes

Do not choose заплатить for a recurring fact such as monthly rent. Also do not confuse платить за услугу with платить кому-то.

Memory tip

Платить is the payment habit; заплатить is the completed transaction.

Frequently asked questions

How do I say “pay for a ticket”?

Платить за билет or, once completed, заплатить за билет.

Does заплатить require за?

Use за for the item or service; an amount can be used directly.

Which is used in a one-time command?

Usually заплати.

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