¿me trae la cuenta?
The phrase "can I have the check?" in Spanish is translated as ¿me trae la cuenta?
This phrase is used as a polite request for the bill at the end of a meal in a restaurant.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Will you bring me the account?"
Which one should you use?
While ¿me trae la cuenta? is a full question, you can also use the shorter and very common phrase La cuenta, por favor. to mean "The check, please."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In contrast, ¿me traes la cuenta? uses the 'tú' form, which is more informal and used in casual settings or with younger staff.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the word cuenta to mean "bill" or "check".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using el cheque to ask for your restaurant bill. In Spanish, el cheque refers specifically to a bank check.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the gesture of writing an invisible number in the air with your finger is a common non-verbal way to ask for la cuenta.
- The word cuenta comes from the verb contar, which means both 'to count' and 'to tell a story'.
- In some traditional Spanish restaurants, it is common for the server to leave the bill on the table and walk away to give you privacy, rather than waiting for payment.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría traerme la cuenta, por favor?Can you bring me the check, please?
- Disculpe, ¿me podría traer la cuenta?Excuse me, could you bring me the check?
- Perdone, ¿puede traerme la cuenta, por favor?Excuse me, can you bring me the check, please?
- Oye, ¿me traes la cuenta?Hey, can you bring me the check?
- Perdone, ¿me trae la cuenta?Excuse me, can you bring me the check?
- Cuando pueda, ¿me trae la cuenta?When you can, can you bring me the check?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- AlejandroTodo estuvo delicioso. ¿Me trae la cuenta?Everything was delicious. Can I have the check?
- ElenaSí, claro. Ahora mismo la busco.Yes, of course. I will get it right now.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, Alejandro. Aquí tiene.You're welcome, Alejandro. Here it is.
