minta bon
/ˈminta ˈbon/word by word
In Indonesian, "bill please" is translated as minta bon.
Use this phrase to make a request for the check at a restaurant or cafe.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb minta, which means to ask for or request and the noun bon, meaning bill or receipt.
Which one should you use?
The standard form is minta bon, but in urban areas or trendy cafes, you might hear the colloquial version minta bill, which incorporates the English word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
minta bon is a direct and informal way to ask for the bill, making it suitable for casual settings like street food stalls or local cafes.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form minta bill is commonly used in urban areas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈminta ˈbon/
Did you know?
- In many traditional Indonesian eateries, it is common to pay the bill at a central counter rather than at the table, even after saying minta bon.
- The word bon is actually a loanword from Dutch, which explains why many Indonesian administrative and commercial terms have Dutch origins.
- If you are at a small street stall, you can often just say bon while making a writing motion with your hand to signal the waiter.
Examples in context
- Boleh saya minta bon?Could I have the bill, please?This sentence is useful for seeing how to politely frame the request using minta bon.Tatoeba #778143 by marloncori, translation #435203 by CK
- Saya minta bon, ya.I'd like the bill, please.
- Mas, saya minta bon.Excuse me, I'd like the bill.
Example conversation
Budi and Putri are finishing their meal at a cafe.
- PutriKita sudah selesai makan.We have finished eating.
- BudiSaya akan minta bon dulu.I will ask for the bill first.
- PutriBoleh, saya yang bayar ya.Sure, I will pay.
- BudiTerima kasih, Putri.Thank you, Putri.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (minta, bon) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
