When traveling or dining in Cantonese-speaking regions, it’s always helpful to know some basic phrases to facilitate your interactions. One such essential phrase is “check please.” In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “check please” in Cantonese, including formal and informal expressions. We will also provide regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in and learn how to smoothly request the bill in Cantonese!
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Formal Ways to Say “Check Please” in Cantonese
When you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a fancy restaurant or business dinner, it is advisable to use more polite expressions to request the bill. Here are a few ways to do so:
1. 麻煩結賬 (maa4 faan4 git3 zoeng3)
This expression literally translates to “trouble settling the bill.” It is commonly used to politely request the check in Cantonese. You can say:
麻煩結賬，謝謝 (maa4 faan4 git3 zoeng3, ze6 ze6) – Check please, thank you.
2. 麻煩埋單 (maa4 faan4 maai4 daan1)
Similar to the previous expression, this phrase politely asks for the bill. It literally means “trouble settling the bill.” Use it in this manner:
麻煩埋單，多謝 (maa4 faan4 maai4 daan1, do1 ze6) – Could I have the check, please? Thank you.
Informal Ways to Say “Check Please” in Cantonese
In more casual and informal settings, such as local eateries or among friends, you can opt for less formal expressions when asking for the bill. Below are some informal phrases you can use:
1. 埋單 (maai4 daan1)
This is a simple and direct way to request the bill in a casual manner. It translates to “settle the bill.” You can say:
埋單，唔該 (maai4 daan1, m4 goi1) – Check please, please.
2. 乜嘢錢 (mat1 je5 cin2)
Another informal phrase, which literally means “how much money,” that you can use to ask for the bill is:
乜嘢錢，麻煩 (mat1 je5 cin2, maa4 faan4) – How much is it? Check please.
Regional Variations
Cantonese, being a diverse language with regional variations, may have specific phrases or terminology for requesting the bill depending on the area. Here, we’ll highlight a few regional variations:
1. Hong Kong:
In Hong Kong, due to its unique history and cultural blend, people commonly use the phrase “bill please” borrowed from English. It sounds like:
埋單 (maai4 daan1) – Bill please.
2. Guangzhou:
In Guangzhou, a city in mainland China where Cantonese is widely spoken, people typically say:
結賬 (git3 zoeng3) – Check please.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the art of requesting the bill in Cantonese:
- Always remember to add polite expressions such as “thank you” (謝謝 – ze6 ze6) after requesting the check.
- If you want to be exceptionally polite, you can add “excuse me” (失陪 – sat1 pui4) at the beginning:
失陪，麻煩結賬，謝謝 (sat1 pui4, maa4 faan4 git3 zoeng3, ze6 ze6) – Excuse me, check please, thank you.
When dining with a group, it is common for one person to handle the bill, so you may need to specify who will be paying:
我請客 (ngo5 ceng2 haak3) – I’ll treat you.
If you want separate bills, you can say:
請分開帳單 (ceng2 fan1 hoi1 zoeng3 daan1) – Separate bills, please.
It’s worth noting that in some occasions, like in smaller local eateries, the staff might bring the bill without you needing to request it.
By utilizing these phrases and tips, you’ll be able to smoothly ask for the bill and navigate your dining experience in Cantonese-speaking regions. Remember to maintain a warm and friendly tone to foster pleasant interactions!
