il conto, per favore
/il ˈkon.to per faˈvo.re/word by word
To say "can I have the check?" in Italian, use il conto, per favore.
In Italian, while English speakers often use a full sentence like "Can I have the check?", Italians typically use the noun phrase il conto, per favore to achieve the same polite effect when requesting your bill in a restaurant.
Which one should you use?
You can substitute per favore with grazie to say "The bill, thanks" by using Il conto, grazie.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /il ˈkon.to per faˈvo.re/. The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is common to make a writing gesture in the air when saying il conto, per favore. This mimics the action of writing on a piece of paper to signal the waiter.
- In Italy, the 'coperto' is a standard charge added to il conto for the table setting and bread. It is a fixed fee per person regardless of what you order.
- Asking for il conto usually signals the end of the meal experience. In many traditional Italian restaurants, the waiter will not bring the bill until you explicitly ask for it.
Examples in context
- Posso avere il conto, per favore?Can I have the check, please?
- Certamente, eccolo qui.Certainly, here it is.
- Certo, subito.Certainly, right away.
- Scusi, il conto, per favore.Excuse me, the check, please.
- Possiamo avere il conto, per favore?Can we have the check, please?
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Martina are finishing their meal at a restaurant.
- LorenzoSiamo pronti. Il conto, per favore.We are ready. The check, please.
- MartinaCertamente, arrivo subito.Certainly, I'll be right there.
- LorenzoGrazie mille, Martina.Thank you very much, Martina.
- MartinaPrego, ecco a voi.You're welcome, here it is.
