A conta, por favor
/a ˈkõ.tɐ ˈpoʁ faˈvoʁ/
To say "check, please" in Portuguese, use A conta, por favor.
A conta, por favor is the standard, polite way to ask for your bill in most dining situations in both Brazil and Portugal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun conta is feminine, so it must be preceded by the feminine article a.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase has 5 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. The IPA transcription is /a ˈkõ.tɐ ˈpoʁ faˈvoʁ/.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, it is common to signal for a conta by mimicking the act of writing a signature in the air with your finger.
- While a conta means 'the bill', the verb it comes from, contar, also means 'to tell a story'.
- In some traditional Portuguese settings, asking for a conta too early can be seen as a sign that you are in a rush and not enjoying the atmosphere.
Examples in context
- Você pode trazer a conta, por favor?Can you bring the check, please?
- Poderia trazer a conta para nós, por favor?Could you bring the check for us, please?
- Moço, a conta, por favor.Waiter, the check, please.
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are finishing their meal at a cafe.
- FelipeBeatriz, você quer pedir algo mais?Beatriz, do you want to order anything else?
- BeatrizNão, eu estou satisfeita. A conta, por favor.No, I am satisfied. The check, please.
- FelipeEu chamo o garçom.I will call the waiter.
- BeatrizObrigada, Felipe.Thank you, Felipe.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry a conta, por favor.
