La cuenta, por favor
/la ˈkwenta poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
In Spanish, 'check, please' is expressed as La cuenta, por favor.
The phrase is used to request the bill at a restaurant. While La cuenta, por favor is the most direct way to say 'The bill, please', there are more complete or formal ways to make the request depending on the setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase la cuenta literally means 'the account' or 'the bill'.
Which one should you use?
While La cuenta, por favor is the standard request, you may use ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor? to ask 'Can you bring me the bill, please?', which is a slightly more complete way of phrasing the request.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear people use La factura, por favor. instead of using the word 'cuenta'. In Colombia, a common way to ask is Me regalas la cuenta, por favor, where 'me regalas' translates to 'Could you give me'.
How do you pronounce it?
/la ˈkwenta poɾ faˈboɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using el cheque when asking for a restaurant bill. In Spanish, el cheque refers specifically to a bank check.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, instead of speaking, you can simply catch the server's eye and make a writing motion in the air with your hand to signal that you want la cuenta.
- The word cuenta is a deverbal noun derived from the verb contar, which means both 'to count' and 'to tell a story'.
- Depending on the country, asking for la cuenta may be seen as an invitation for the waiter to leave you alone for a while, as it signals the end of the dining experience.
Examples in context
- Camarero, la cuenta, por favor.Waiter, the check, please.
- Cuando pueda, la cuenta, por favor.The check, please, when you can.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are finishing their meal at a café.
- MateoEstaba muy rico todo.Everything was very delicious.
- MaríaSí, yo también estoy llena.Yes, I am full too.
- MateoLa cuenta, por favor.The check, please.
- MaríaYo pagaré hoy, Mateo.I will pay today, Mateo.
