지불하다 (ji-bul-ha-da, jibulhada) · 계산하다 (gye-san-ha-da, gyesanhada)
지불하다 focuses on the act of giving money, while 계산하다 is used mainly for settling bills or accounts in places like restaurants or stores.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
The act of giving money or paying a cost
When to use
Contract payment, Bill settlement, Service fee payment
The nuance
지불하다 focuses on the act of paying money itself and is used in formal and broad contexts, such as contracts, bills, or service fees.
The act of settling or calculating an amount, mainly in restaurants, stores, or similar settings
When to use
Paying at restaurant, Paying after shopping, Paying at cafe
The nuance
계산하다 is used when confirming and settling an amount, typically referring to paying after shopping or dining in everyday situations.
나는 계약서에 명시된 금액을 지불했다.
na-neun gye-yak-seo-e myeong-si-doen geum-aek-eul ji-bul-haess-da., na neun gye yak seo e myeong si doen geum aek eul ji bul haess da.
Appropriate for formal contract payment context; 지불하다 is correct.
나는 식당에서 지불했다.
na-neun sik-dang-e-seo ji-bul-haess-da., na neun sik dang e seo ji bul haess da.
In restaurants, 계산하다 is used for settling bills; 지불하다 sounds unnatural.
카페에서 계산했다.
ka-pe-e-seo gye-san-haess-da., ka pe e seo gye san haess da.
Correct for paying at a cafe; 계산하다 is appropriate.
청구서를 계산했다.
cheong-gu-seo-reul gye-san-haess-da., cheong gu seo reul gye san haess da.
For bill settlement, 지불하다 is correct; 계산하다 is inappropriate.
서비스 비용을 지불했다.
seo-bi-seu bi-yong-eul ji-bul-haess-da., seo bi seu bi yong eul ji bul haess da.
지불하다 is used for paying service fees.
쇼핑 후 계산했다.
syo-ping hu gye-san-haess-da., syo ping hu gye san haess da.
계산하다 fits paying after shopping.
나는 돈을 계산했다.
na-neun don-eul gye-san-haess-da., na neun don eul gye san haess da.
This implies counting money, not paying; use 지불하다 or 계산하다 for paying.
청구서를 지불했다.
cheong-gu-seo-reul ji-bul-haess-da., cheong gu seo reul ji bul haess da.
Correct for bill payment; 지불하다 is appropriate.
Which word do you use when paying money at a restaurant?
You must ___ the amount specified in the contract.
You ___ the drink payment at a cafe.
