il conto, per favore
/il ˈkon.to per faˈvo.re/word by word
The English phrase "can I have the bill, please?" is translated into Italian as il conto, per favore.
This phrase is used to make a polite request for the total amount of money owed after a meal at a restaurant. In Italy, it is common and perfectly polite to simply say il conto, per favore rather than using a full sentence. You can also use the phrase per cortesia in place of per favore, as both mean "please".
How do you pronounce it?
/il ˈkon.to per faˈvo.re/. The word has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Italian restaurants, waiters typically do not bring the bill to the table until you explicitly ask for it, as they do not want to rush you.
Did you know?
- If you are in a hurry, you can signal for il conto by making a scribbling motion with your hand in the air toward the waiter.
- In many Italian restaurants, you may see a coperto charge on your conto, which is a fixed cover charge for the bread and table setting.
- The word conto shares an ancestral root with the English word 'compute', as both relate to the idea of calculating or reckoning an amount.
Examples in context
- Scusi, potrebbe portarmi il conto?Excuse me, could you bring me the bill?
- Mi potresti portare il conto, per cortesia?Could you bring me the bill, please?
- Dopo il dolce, mi può portare il conto?After dessert, could you bring me the bill?
- Posso avere il conto, per favore?Can I have the bill, please?
- Vorrei il conto, per favore.I would like the bill, please.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are finishing their lunch at a restaurant.
- GiuliaSiamo pronti, il conto, per favore.We are ready, the bill, please.
- FrancescoCerto, arrivo subito.Of course, I'll be right there.
- GiuliaGrazie mille.Thank you very much.
- FrancescoPrego, ecco a voi.You're welcome, here it is.
