Posso avere il conto?
In Italian, "can I get the bill" is translated as Posso avere il conto?
This phrase is a polite request used in a restaurant to ask for the final amount of money owed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from Posso (I can), avere (to have), il (the) and conto (bill/account).
Which one should you use?
While Posso avere il conto? is a full, polite question, you can also use the shorter alternative Il conto, per favore to say "The bill, please."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal approach, you can say Posso avere il conto, per favore? or Mi può portare il conto? (Can you bring me the bill?). In casual dining settings, the most common and informal way to request the bill is to simply say Il conto, per favore while making eye contact with the waiter.
Did you know?
- The Italian language has a specific concept called coperto, a fixed cover charge that appears on the conto regardless of what is ordered.
- In many parts of Italy, instead of asking for the bill, a diner might simply catch the waiter's eye and make a subtle writing motion in the air with their hand.
- In some traditional Italian settings, asking for the bill too quickly can be seen as rushing the experience of the meal.
Examples in context
- Lei può portarmi il conto, per cortesia?Can you bring me the bill, please?
- Mi scusi, potrebbe portarmi il conto?Excuse me, could you bring me the bill?
- Portami il conto, grazie.Bring me the bill, please.
- Scusi, posso avere il conto?Excuse me, can I get the bill?
Example conversation
A waiter approaches a table at a cafe.
- FrancescoDesiderate altro da mangiare?Do you want anything else to eat?
- SofiaNo grazie, posso avere il conto?No thanks, can I get the bill?
- FrancescoCertamente, arrivo subito.Certainly, I will be right there.
- SofiaGrazie mille.Thanks a lot.
