Spring for Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈspɹɪŋ/, /spɝˈɪŋ/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ

SPRING for

UK

spɹˈɪŋ/ /fˈɔː

spring FOR

Definition

To pay for something, especially as a treat for someone else. It often suggests spending money for others, usually unexpectedly or generously.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, mainly American English. Used when someone pays for others, especially in social situations. Commonly with meals, gifts, or tickets. Not about sudden movement—don't confuse with 'jump' or 'leap'. Often used in past or future tense: 'I'll spring for lunch.'

• Spanish: pagar (por algo para alguien) - invitar (gastar dinero en otros)
• Portuguese (BR): pagar (para alguém) - bancar (coisas para os outros)
• Portuguese (PT): pagar (por alguém) - oferecer (gastar dinheiro pelos outros)
• Chinese (Simplified): 请客 - 为…买单
• Chinese (Traditional): 請客 - 為...買單
• Hindi: किसी के लिए भुगतान करना - मन से खर्च करना
• Arabic: يدفع (عن الآخرين) - يتكفل (بنفقات شخص آخر)
• Bengali: খরচ করা (প্রাধান্য দিয়ে) - বিল দেয়া (অন্যের জন্য)
• Russian: угощать - оплатить за других
• Japanese: 奢ってあげる - 支払う（他人のために）
• Vietnamese: bao - trả tiền cho (ai đó, như một món quà)
• Korean: 쏘다 - 내다 (다른 사람에게 사주다)
• Turkish: ısmarlamak - ödemek (başkası için, cömertçe)
• Urdu: اعلیٰ خرچ کرنا - کسی کے لئے ادا کرنا
• Indonesian: mentraktir - membayari (untuk orang lain)

Example Sentences

I will spring for pizza tonight.

basic

She sprang for movie tickets for everyone.

basic

My dad always springs for dessert when we go out.

basic

Don’t worry about the bill—I'll spring for it.

natural

She really sprang for a fancy gift this year.

natural

The boss said he'd spring for drinks after work.

natural