A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'll pay in cash" in French
Learn to say 'I'll pay in cash' in French for shopping and everyday transactions.
Je vais payer en espèces.
zhuh vay pay-yay ahn ess-PESSneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're at a shop, restaurant, or market and want to let the cashier know you'll be using banknotes and coins. It's a clear and polite way to state your payment method.
Alternatives
- Je paie en liquide.Slightly more informal, but still widely understood.
- Je peux payer en espèces.Adds a polite 'Can I...' nuance.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'espèces'
The 'p' is silent, and the 'è' sound is like in 'bet'.
Confusing 'espèces' and 'espèce'
'Espèces' is plural when referring to cash payment; the singular 'espèce' means kind or type.
A small cultural note
While card payments are very common, many smaller businesses or market stalls still prefer or even exclusively accept cash. It's always good to have some on hand.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do French people prefer cash?
Smaller vendors, market stalls, and some independent shops might prefer cash. It's also common for small, everyday purchases.
Is it rude to pay cash in France?
Not at all, especially if you're at a place that might not have a card machine or if you're buying a small item. It's a normal transaction.
What's the difference between espèces and liquide?
'Espèces' is the standard term for cash, while 'liquide' is a bit more informal but means the same thing.
