Whether you are dining at a traditional Japanese restaurant or visiting Japan as a tourist, knowing how to say “bill, please” can come in handy. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to ask for the bill in Japanese, provide regional variations if necessary, and offer helpful tips and examples.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Bill, Please” in Japanese
When you want to ask for the bill formally in Japan, you can use the phrases “お勘定をお願いします” (Okanjou wo onegaishimasu) or “お会計お願いします” (Okaikei onegaishimasu). Both phrases are widely understood and used in restaurants, cafes, or any place where you receive a bill.
Example:
あのう、お勘定をお願いします。
(Ano, okanjou wo onegaishimasu.)
“Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?”
When using these formal phrases, remember to say them politely and with a friendly tone. Attention to politeness is highly regarded in Japanese culture.
2. Informal Ways to Say “Bill, Please” in Japanese
If you’re among friends or in a casual setting where formality is not required, you can use a more informal way to ask for the bill. One common phrase for this situation is “お会計お願い” (Okaikei onegai)”.
Example:
すみません、お会計お願い。
(Sumimasen, okaikei onegai.)
“Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?”
By omitting the “します” (shimasu) from the formal phrases, you create a more relaxed atmosphere within a group of friends or casual setting.
3. Regional Variations
While the formal and informal phrases mentioned above are widely used across Japan, it’s worth noting that there might be regional variations in spoken language. For example:
- In Osaka and the Kansai region, people might use “お勘定お願いします” (Okanjou onegaishimasu) or “お会計お願いします” (Okaikei onegaishimasu) in a slightly different way.
Example:
すんません、お勘定お願いします。
(Sunmasen, okanjou onegaishimasu.)
“Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?”
These regional variations are slight, and using the phrases mentioned earlier will be perfectly understood and accepted in any part of Japan.
4. Helpful Tips
When asking for the bill in Japanese, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- It’s polite to raise your hand slightly or make eye contact with the staff to get their attention before requesting the bill.
- Always remember to use “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) at the end of your request to express politeness and gratitude.
- Speak with a moderately loud and clear voice, making sure you are audible in a busy restaurant environment.
- If you’re unsure about the bill’s total amount, you can politely ask, “合計はいくらですか?” (Goukei wa ikuradesu ka?) which means “What is the total amount?”
Conclusion
Being able to ask for the bill politely is essential when dining out or visiting Japan. Use the formal phrase “お勘定をお願いします” (Okanjou wo onegaishimasu) or “お会計お願いします” (Okaikei onegaishimasu) in formal situations. If you’re among friends or in a more casual environment, you can use the informal phrase “お会計お願い” (Okaikei onegai). Remember to maintain a polite tone, raise your hand with a slight gesture, and express gratitude with “お願いします” (onegaishimasu).
Now that you are equipped with the knowledge of how to ask for the bill in Japanese, enjoy your dining experience or travel adventures in Japan with confidence!
