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PhrasesPaying the BillNon ho abbastanza contanti.
A2

Non ho abbastanza contanti.

I don't have enough cash.

Pronunciation

ab-bas-TAHN-tsah — four syllables, stress on third. 'abbastanza' = enough/sufficiently.

When to use it

Use when you realize mid-payment that your cash is short. Follow up with a request to pay the difference by card.

What it means

'Abbastanza' = enough. 'Non ho abbastanza' = I don't have enough. This is a common, honest statement when cash runs short. Most Italian restaurants will accommodate a split cash-card payment.

Variations

Ho solo dodici euro in contanti.

I only have twelve euros in cash.

Specifying exactly how much cash you have.

Posso pagare parte in contanti e parte con carta?

Can I pay part in cash and part by card?

Requesting a split payment method.

C'è un bancomat vicino?

Is there an ATM nearby?

Asking where to get more cash.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Non ho abbastanza contanti. Ho solo dieci euro. Cameriere: Il conto è sedici euro. Può pagare la differenza con carta? Cliente: Sì, pago dieci in contanti e il resto con la Mastercard. Cameriere: Perfetto, faccio le due operazioni.

Client: I don't have enough cash. I only have ten euros. Waiter: The bill is sixteen euros. Can you pay the difference by card? Client: Yes, I'll pay ten in cash and the rest with Mastercard. Waiter: Perfect, I'll do the two transactions.

Cultural Note

Split payments (part cash, part card) are widely accepted in Italian restaurants. Simply explain the situation clearly — Italian waiters and cashiers are experienced in accommodating various payment combinations without any inconvenience.