conto
/ˈkon.to/
The phrase for "check or bill" in Italian is conto.
In a restaurant context, conto specifically refers to the bill for your meal. While the word can also mean a bank account or a general account in other situations, use it to request the amount due for your service or food.
Which one should you use?
In a restaurant, conto is used to specify the bill for the meal, distinguishing it from its other meanings such as a bank account.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of conto is conti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkon.to/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
When do people say it?
To ask for the bill politely, it is most common to say il conto, per favore. Another natural way to request it is by saying Il conto, grazie (The bill, thanks).
Did you know?
- When paying a conto in a group, Italians often use the phrase fare alla romana, which means splitting the bill equally regardless of what each person ordered.
- In some contexts, the word conto can be used in the expression per conto mio, meaning 'on my own' or 'for myself'. This usage has nothing to do with money or bills and instead refers to personal autonomy.
- In many Italian establishments, a waiter bringing the conto without being asked is actually seen as a social faux pas. It can be interpreted as a sign that the waiter is rushing you to leave.
Examples in context
- Il conto, per favore.The check, please.
- Potrei avere il conto, per cortesia?Could I have the check, please?
- Si paga alla cassa?Do we pay at the register?
- Possiamo dividere il conto?Can we split the bill?
- Posso avere il conto?Can I have the bill?
- Il conto è troppo alto.The bill is too high.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- GiuliaSei pronto per andare, Francesco?Are you ready to go, Francesco?
- FrancescoSì, chiediamo il conto.Yes, let's ask for the check.
- GiuliaCameriere, il conto per favore!Waiter, the bill please!
- FrancescoPago io stasera, Giulia.I'll pay tonight, Giulia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
