il conto, per favore
/il ˈkon.to per faˈvo.re/word by word
In Italian, the phrase for 'can I have the check, please?' is il conto, per favore.
This phrase is used to politely request the bill in a restaurant. While English speakers often use a complete sentence like 'Can I have the check?', Italians typically use the shorter noun phrase il conto, per favore to achieve the same polite effect. You may also use full sentences such as Posso avere il conto, per favore? or Mi scusi, posso avere il conto? to express the same request.
Which one should you use?
You can substitute per favore (please) with grazie (thank you) to say Il conto, grazie (The bill, thank you). This is a polite request when the waiter approaches.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /il ˈkon.to per faˈvo.re/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is common for the waiter to bring il conto only when explicitly asked, as bringing it too early can be seen as a rude hint for the guests to leave.
- In some traditional Italian settings, you may see a coperto charge on il conto, which is a fixed cover charge for the tablecloth and bread regardless of how much you eat.
- The initial 'i' in the article il is a svarabhakti vowel, which was added over time simply to make the word easier to pronounce.
Examples in context
- Posso avere il conto, per favore?Can I have the check, please?
- Scusi, vorrei il conto, per favore.Excuse me, I would like the check, please.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are finishing their meal at a restaurant.
- SofiaSono stata bene, chiediamo il conto, per favore.I had a great time, let's ask for the check, please.
- MatteoSì, ho già chiamato il cameriere.Yes, I have already called the waiter.
- SofiaIl conto, per favore!The check, please!
- MatteoEcco, ora possiamo andare.There, now we can go.
