τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ
ton logariasmó, parakaló
In Greek, the phrase "can I have the bill, please?" is expressed as τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ (ton logariasmó, parakaló).
You use this phrase in a restaurant or cafe to politely ask for the total amount of money owed. While you can use a full sentence, it is very common and natural in Greek to simply say τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ, which translates to "the bill, please".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase τον λογαριασμό literally means "the bill" or "the account", and παρακαλώ means "please".
How do you pronounce it?
ton logariasmó, parakaló
Did you know?
- In many traditional Greek tavernas, you can avoid speaking entirely by making a small, circular motion in the air with your hand. This gesture is a universally understood silent request for the bill.
- The word λογαριασμός shares a root with the English word 'logarithm', as both derive from the Greek word for 'reckoning' or 'calculation'.
- In some Greek cafes, it is culturally common for a host to insist on paying the entire λογαριασμό for their guests, often leading to a playful argument over who gets the bill.
Examples in context
- Θα ήθελα τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.Tha íthela ton logariasmó, parakaló.I would like the bill, please.
- Μπορείτε να μου φέρετε τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ;Boreíte na mou férete ton logariasmó, parakaló?Can you bring me the bill, please?
- Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ, για δύο άτομα.Ton logariasmó, parakaló, gia dýo átoma.The bill, please, for two people.
Example conversation
Kostas and Anastasia are finishing their meal at a cafe.
- Κώστας KostasΉταν πολύ νόστιμο. Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.Itan poly nostimo. Ton logariasmo, parakalo.It was very tasty. The bill, please.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘέλεις να πληρώσω εγώ, Κώστα;Thelis na pliroso ego, Kosta?Do you want me to pay, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΌχι, θα το πληρώσω εγώ σήμερα.Ochi, tha to pliroso ego simera.No, I will pay today.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΕυχαριστώ πολύ, είσαι πολύ γενναιόδωρος.Efcharisto poly, eisai poly gennaiodoros.Thank you very much, you are very generous.
