Quick answer
Comprar is the purchase. Pagar is the payment.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
comprar
to buy
Use comprar for getting something by purchasing it.
pagar
to pay
Use pagar for giving money for a product, service, bill, or debt.
How to choose
- comprar: Choose comprar if the sentence points to getting something by purchasing it.
- pagar: Choose pagar if the sentence points to giving money for a product, service, bill, or debt.
Examples
Comprei pao na padaria.
I bought bread at the bakery.
Paguei a conta pelo app.
I paid the bill through the app.
Common trap
You can buy something without mentioning payment, and pay without buying a new thing.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with comprar, then once with pagar. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
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