conto
/ˈkon.to/
In Italian, the phrase for a bill or check is conto.
The term conto refers to the printed list of charges for food and drinks provided at a restaurant.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between conto and scontrino. While conto is the bill you request in order to pay, scontrino refers specifically to the small printed receipt you receive after the payment has been made.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of conto is conti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkon.to/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word conto is a doublet of compito, which means 'homework' or 'task', as both words share the same Latin ancestor.
- In Italy, it is generally considered impolite for a waiter to bring the conto to your table without you asking for it first, as it implies you are being rushed out.
- While conto is the bill, the phrase fare i conti means to calculate something or to settle a score with someone.
Examples in context
- Mi scusi, potrei avere il conto, per favore?Excuse me, may I have the bill, please?
- Ragazzi, il conto, per piacere!Guys, the bill, please!
- Mi puoi portare il conto? Grazie!Can you bring me the bill? Thanks!
- Il conto, per favore.The check, please.
- Posso avere il conto?Can I have the bill?
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are finishing a meal at a cafe.
- LorenzoMartina, vuoi pagare o preferisci dividere?Martina, do you want to pay or do you prefer to split it?
- MartinaDividiamo, così è più semplice.Let's split it, so it's easier.
- LorenzoVa bene, chiamo il cameriere per il conto.Alright, I'll call the waiter for the check.
- MartinaOttima idea, grazie Lorenzo.Great idea, thanks Lorenzo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
