Learning how to say “check” in Spanish is essential if you plan to travel to a Spanish-speaking country or communicate with Spanish speakers. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “check” in Spanish, along with some useful tips and examples. While there may be regional variations, we will focus on the most commonly used terms. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Check” in Spanish
When speaking formally or in a professional setting, you can use the following Spanish phrases to ask for the check:
1. “La cuenta, por favor”
The most common phrase to request the check at a restaurant or cafe is “La cuenta, por favor.” This simple phrase is universally understood and is appropriate to use in any Spanish-speaking country.
2. “Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor”
Another way to ask for the check politely is by saying “Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor.” This translates to “Can you bring me the check, please?” and is a slightly more formal option.
3. “¿Podría traerme la cuenta, por favor?”
If you want to be even more polite, you can use the phrase “¿Podría traerme la cuenta, por favor?” which means “Could you bring me the check, please?” This is particularly useful in formal settings, such as fine dining establishments.
Informal Ways to Say “Check” in Spanish
In a casual or friendly context, you can use these phrases to ask for the check informally:
1. “El cepo, por favor”
In some Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Latin America, “el cepo” is a colloquial term for the check. It can be used among friends or when you feel comfortable using informal language.
2. “La cuenta, porfa” or “La cuenta, porfis”
If you want to sound even more relaxed, you can use “porfa” or “porfis” as abbreviations for “por favor.” Saying “La cuenta, porfa” or “La cuenta, porfis” is acceptable among friends or in informal settings.
Tips and Examples
Tips for Ordering the Check
- When you’re ready to pay, catch your server’s attention by making eye contact or raising your hand politely.
- It’s useful to familiarize yourself with the local currency, as you may need to count cash and leave a tip separately.
- If you prefer to split the bill, you can say “Vamos a dividir la cuenta, por favor” (Let’s split the check, please).
- Always remember to say “por favor” as it reflects politeness and courtesy.
Examples
Here are some examples of how to ask for the check in different situations:
Example 1:
Scenario: You’re dining at a restaurant in Spain.
You: “La cuenta, por favor.”
Waiter: “Enseguida se la traigo” (I’ll bring it right away).
Example 2:
Scenario: You’re having dinner with friends in Mexico.
You: “El cepo, por favor.”
Waiter: “Claro, en un momento se lo llevo” (Of course, I’ll bring it in a moment).
Example 3:
Scenario: You’re enjoying a meal at a cafe in Argentina.
You: “Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor.”
Waiter: “Por supuesto, aquí está” (Certainly, here it is).
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask for the check is an essential skill when communicating in Spanish. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, the phrases provided in this guide will help you confidently request the check. Remember to be polite and courteous, and don’t hesitate to practice these phrases to improve your Spanish-speaking abilities. ¡Buen provecho!
