What does it mean word for word?
la cuenta literally means "the bill" or "the account".
Which one should you use?
While la cuenta, por favor is a common short way to ask, you can also use complete sentences like ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor? to request the bill.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can say ¿Me podría traer la cuenta, por favor? or Perdone, ¿me trae la cuenta, por favor? In Mexico, common ways to ask are ¿Me hace el favor de darme la cuenta? and Disculpe, ¿me puede dar la cuenta, por favor? In Argentina, you can use ¿Me podrías traer la cuenta, por favor?, ¿Me hacés el favor de pasarme la cuenta? or Che, ¿me traés la cuenta, por favor?
How do you pronounce it?
/la ˈkwenta poɾ faˈboɾ/
When do people say it?
In Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common and polite to simply say la cuenta, por favor to a server rather than using a full sentence like "Can I have the check?"
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is considered impolite for a waiter to bring the bill before you ask for it. The bill is seen as a signal that you are being rushed out of the restaurant, so the server will wait for you to say la cuenta or use a gesture.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you can request la cuenta by catching the server's eye and mimicking writing in the air with your finger.
- The phrase la cuenta comes from the verb contar, which means both to count numbers and to tell a story.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿me trae la cuenta, por favor?Excuse me, could you bring me the check, please?
- Claro, enseguida se la traigo.Of course, I'll bring it right away.
- Oiga, ¿me trae la cuenta, por favor?Hey, could you bring me the check, please?
- Seguro, aquí está.Sure, here it is.
- ¿Podría pedir la cuenta, por favor?Could I ask for the check, please?
- Por supuesto, en un momento se la traigo.Of course, I'll bring it to you in a moment.
- ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?Can you bring me the check, please?
- Queremos la cuenta, por favor.We would like the check, please.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- JavierTodo estuvo delicioso. ¿Pedimos la cuenta, por favor?Everything was delicious. Shall we ask for the check, please?
- ElenaSí, yo llamo al camarero ahora mismo.Yes, I will call the waiter right now.
- JavierHola, la cuenta, por favor.Hello, the check, please.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. Yo pagaré la cena hoy.Thank you, Javier. I will pay for dinner today.
