Why do we say PAY attention?

Question

no money changes hands. lets start saying "be attentive"

Answer 1

same as japanese language.

They say chuui( atention) o harau(pay)  = pay attention

            okane( money)  o harau(pay)   = pay money

They use same verb with attention and money.

It is interesting.

Answer 2

Every language says this in a weird way. In Spanish you would say the equivalent of "Put Attention," in French you would say the equivalent of "Make Attention." None of these make sense, but that's how it's said. A lot of phrases like this exist that make absolutely no sense if you think about it. I too wonder how these came to be...

Answer 3

Here's an idea: GO LOOK UP THE WORD "PAY" IN THE DICTIONARY!

Educate yourself to ALL the definitions of the word "pay" and then you will have your answer!

It isn't rocket science, darlin'!

Answer 4

Because you are investing your time.