Friends & datingAdvanced
Asking a friend to pay you back in English (advanced)
Advanced English for asking a friend to pay you back. Key line: “Hey, any chance you could settle up with me today?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, any chance you could settle up with me today?
Them
Oh man, already? I was hoping my wallet could play dead longer.
Lin
I'd let it slide, but my rent's due, and noodles aren't currency.
Them
Right, right. I haven't forgotten; I'm just a little cash strapped this week.
Lin
If today’s rough, could you at least send half and square up later?
Them
Actually, I can do the whole amount now; I was being dramatic for effect.
Lin
Good, because I was one speech away from charging interest in dumplings.
Them
Deal—money's sent, and your dumpling loan shark era ends tonight.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Settle up
✓ settle up with meUsed to ask for the money
Natural with friends; also for splitting a bill
Ignoring it
✓ play deadJoking: avoid or ignore it
Joking about hiding from it
Short on cash
✓ cash-strappedPolite: low on money
Softer than saying broke
Pay the rest
✓ square up laterPay the rest later
Often used with time words like later
Quick answers
Settle up: what to say in English
Say “settle up with me” — used to ask for the money. Natural with friends; also for splitting a bill.
Ignoring it: what to say in English
Say “play dead” — joking: avoid or ignore it. Joking about hiding from it.
Short on cash: what to say in English
Say “cash-strapped” — polite: low on money. Softer than saying broke.
Pay the rest: what to say in English
Say “square up later” — pay the rest later. Often used with time words like later.