As someone learning Spanish, one scenario you’ll likely encounter is paying the bill at a restaurant or shop Knowing the right phrases and etiquette can ensure the process goes smoothly. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the various ways to say “pay the bill” in Spanish, with tips for polite expressions, regional variations, and more.
Formal Ways to Request the Bill
When dining at a formal restaurant or dealing with staff in a professional setting, you’ll want to use respectful, polite language to ask for the bill. Here are some go-to formal phrases:
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“¿Me podría traer la cuenta, por favor?” – “Could you bring me the bill, please?” The use of “podría” adds a courteous tone.
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“Disculpe ¿me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?” – “Excuse me, could you bring me the bill please?” Starting with “disculpe” shows extra politeness.
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“Por favor, ¿nos trae la cuenta cuando pueda?” – “Please, could you bring us the bill when you can?” Using “cuando pueda” gives the staff flexibility.
Informal Ways to Ask for the Bill
In casual settings like meals with friends, you can take a more informal approach:
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“¿Me puedes traer la cuenta, por favor?” – “Can you bring me the bill, please?” The “me puedes” makes it friendly.
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“Oye, ¿me echas la cuenta, por favor?” – “Hey, can you bring me the bill, please?” In some regions, “echar” replaces “traer.”
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“¿Me la cuenta, por fa?” – “The bill, please?” Shortening “por favor” to “por fa” adds informality.
Helpful Tips and Etiquette
Here are some tips to properly and politely ask for the bill in Spanish:
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Use eye contact and gestures: Look at the server and motion writing in the air.
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Speak clearly and confidently: Avoid mumbling to ensure you’re understood.
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Be patient: Don’t rush staff or snap your fingers. Allow time for the bill to be prepared.
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Say “thank you”: Express gratitude by saying “gracias” when the bill is delivered.
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Check for errors: Review the bill for accuracy before paying. You can say “Permíteme revisar la cuenta, por favor.”
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Indicate you want separate checks: Say “La cuenta por separado, por favor” if dividing payment.
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Tip appropriately: Leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants if service was good.
Regional Variations
Some terms for “bill” or “check” vary between countries:
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Spain: “la cuenta”
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Mexico: “la cuenta” more common, but also “la nota”
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Argentina: “la cuenta” or “la nota”
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Chile: “la cuenta” or “la boleta”
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Colombia: “la cuenta” or “la factura”
Putting It All Together
Whether at a bistro in Madrid or a diner in Mexico City, you now have the knowledge to smoothly handle paying the bill. Just remember to be polite, thank the staff, tip appropriately, and feel free to take a look at the bill before paying. And should any questions arise, you have the vocabulary to politely ask for clarification. With this guide under your belt, the process will be uno, dos, tres!
“I want to pay the check” in Spanish
How do you tell someone you want to pay the check?
Easy:
“I want to pay the check” in Spanish is Yo quiero pagar la cuenta.
You’d typically drop the first person pronoun at the beginning and just say quiero pagar la cuenta (unless you’re arguing with a friend over who gets to pay the bill, in which case you might use yo to emphasize “I will pay it”).
This phrase is straightforward and to the point, letting the waiter know you’re ready to pay.
Here it is broken down:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| (yo) quiero | I want |
| pagar | to pay |
| (la) cuenta | (the) bill / check / account |
NOTE: Though this is a literal translation of “I want to pay the check” in Spanish, it’s not necessarily the most typical way to ask for it, as it’s quite long-winded.
Read on for better options.
Estamos listos para pagar
Meaning: We are ready to pay
This phrase makes it clear that your party has finished dining and is ready to settle the bill.
Meaning: Can you charge me?
This is another direct way to request payment, often used when you’re in a hurry or when it’s clear you’ve finished your meal.
How to ask for the bill in Spanish
FAQ
How do you say pay the bill in Spanish restaurant?
Is la cuenta the bill?
Is it la cuenta or el Cheque?
How do you ask for a bill in Spanish?
It’s an informal way to ask for the bill, and its usage may vary depending on the region. Here are some additional tips and examples to help you effectively request the bill in Spanish: Gestures: When asking for the bill, you can make a writing motion in the air or gesture with your hand to mimic holding a bill, as it can help clarify your request.
Where can I find a translation of ‘pay the bill’?
English Only forum Visit the Spanish-English Forum. Help WordReference: Ask in the forums yourself. Go to Preferences page and choose from different actions for taps or mouse clicks. See Google Translate’s machine translation of ‘pay the bill’.
How do you pay a tapas bill in Spain?
Paying at the bar rather than at your table is customary in smaller tapas bars. Tipping is usual in Spanish restaurants and bars. It is usually 5-10%. You can also pay the bill rounded up or leave a few extra coins. Don’t hesitate to ask your waiter or waitress if you’re unsure of anything.
What does ‘I want to pay the bill’ mean?
‘ I want to pay the bill’ isn’t the most common of the phrases on this list, but you can use it when you’re in a bit of a hurry (or if the waiter’s rubbed you up the wrong way and you want them to know it!); the waiter will know you need to pay right away!
How do you ask for a check in Spain?
The most common way to ask for the check in Spain is to say, “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill, please). This polite phrase will be understood in any establishment. How do you say the bill in Spanish?
How do you say can you Bring Me the bill?
Translation: “Can you bring me the bill, please?” This phrase uses the informal “me puedes” (can you) and is commonly used among friends, peers, or in relaxed dining environments. It maintains a friendly tone while still getting the message across. “Oye, ¿me echas la cuenta, por favor?” Translation: “Hey, can you bring me the bill, please?”