快速答案
cobrar 是收费或催收的一方；pagar 是付款的一方。
可靠的方法是先判断这个词在句子里的功能，再翻译。
每个词的作用
cobrar
to charge or collect
Use cobrar for requesting payment, collecting a debt, or demanding an expected action.
pagar
to pay
Use pagar for giving money to settle a price, bill, or debt.
如何选择
- cobrar: Choose cobrar if the sentence points to requesting payment, collecting a debt, or demanding an expected action.
- pagar: Choose pagar if the sentence points to giving money to settle a price, bill, or debt.
例句
O hotel cobrou uma taxa extra.
The hotel charged an extra fee.
Paguei a conta com cartão.
I paid the bill by card.
常见误区
Cobrar can also mean press someone for an answer or result, so it does not always involve money.
放到语境中练习
从你的真实生活中选一个句子，写两遍：一次用 cobrar，一次用 pagar。如果两个版本都可以，说明意思怎样变化。