Welcome to our guide on how to say “check, please” in Portuguese! Whether you’re traveling to Portugal, Brazil, or any other Portuguese-speaking country, knowing how to politely ask for the bill at a restaurant is always useful. In this article, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of requesting the check, while also sharing some tips and examples for your convenience.
Table of Contents
Informal Expressions
Let’s begin with the informal ways of saying “check, please” in Portuguese. These expressions are commonly used among friends, in casual settings, or when you simply want to adopt a more relaxed approach:
1. “A conta, por favor”
This is the most straightforward and widely understood way to ask for the check in Portuguese. It directly translates to “The bill, please.” Although simple, it gets the job done.
Example: Você pode trazer a conta, por favor? (Can you bring the check, please?)
2. “Posso pagar, por favor?”
If you want to explicitly state that you would like to pay, you can use this expression which means “Can I pay, please?” This can be a polite way of signaling that you’re ready to settle the bill.
3. “Podemos fechar a conta?”
Saying “Podemos fechar a conta?” is another informal way to ask for the check. It translates to “Can we close the bill?” and is commonly used among friends or in a more laid-back environment.
Formal Expressions
When in a more formal or professional setting, it’s important to choose the right words to ask for the check politely. Here are a few expressions that fit this context:
1. “Poderia trazer a conta, por favor?”
For a polite and formal request, you can use this phrase, which translates to “Could you bring the check, please?” It shows respect and courtesy towards the staff.
Example: Poderia trazer a conta para nós, por favor? (Could you bring the check for us, please?)
2. “Poderia nos trazer a conta, por favor?”
If you want to include everyone in your request, use this phrase which means “Could you bring us the check, please?” This is especially useful when dining with a group of people.
3. “Poderia nos fechar a conta?”
This expression, which translates to “Could you close the bill for us?” can also be used in more formal situations to politely ask for the check.
Other Helpful Phrases and Tips
Here are a few additional phrases and tips to keep in mind when asking for the check:
1. “Quanto é?” – “How much is it?”
If you want to know the total bill before asking for the check, you can use this phrase. It shows interest in the final amount.
2. Use polite gestures
Accompany your request with a polite gesture, such as making eye contact, raising your hand slightly, or smiling. This helps convey your politeness and ensures a positive interaction with the staff.
3. “Desconto” – “Discount”
If you’re entitled to a discount (e.g., through a coupon or membership), you can inquire about it by using this word. Remember to ask before requesting the check.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned various ways to ask for the bill in Portuguese, both formally and informally, you’ll feel more confident during your next dining experience in a Portuguese-speaking country. Remember to adapt your language according to the setting, and don’t forget those polite gestures that can make all the difference. Enjoy your meals and happy travels!
