Hesap, lütfen
/heˈsap ˈlyt.fɛn/word by word
In Turkish, "check, please" is said as Hesap, lütfen.
This phrase is used to signal a waiter that you are ready to pay the bill at a restaurant or cafe.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Hesap literally means "account" or "calculation."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Istanbul, one can say Hesap alabilir miyim? to ask for the bill. In Ankara, one can say Hesabı alabilir miyim? to ask for the bill.
How does it change in a sentence?
A more polite and complete sentence to request the bill is Hesabı alabilir miyim?
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /heˈsap ˈlyt.fɛn/. The stress is on the second of four syllables. The sounds are as follows: /h/ as in [h]ome, /s/ as in [s]end, /p/ as in [p]an, /f/ as in [f]ood and /n/ as in [n]ot.
Did you know?
- Instead of calling out the phrase, you can simply make a writing motion in the air with your hand to signal a waiter that you need the Hesap.
- In Turkish culture, it is very common for one person to insist on paying the entire hesap for the whole group, and splitting the bill can sometimes be seen as overly formal.
- The word hesap is used in Turkish to describe a 'settling of scores' or a 'reckoning' in a personal or political context, not just for money.
Examples in context
- Affedersiniz, hesap lütfen?Excuse me, can I have the bill, please?
- Hesap alabilir miyiz, lütfen?Can we get the check, please?
- Hey, bir dakikan olduğunda, hesabı getirebilir misin?Hey, when you have a moment, could you bring us the bill?
- Hesap, lütfen.Check, please.
- Hesap, lütfen, çok teşekkürler.Check, please, thanks a lot.
Example conversation
Elif and Mehmet are finishing their meal at a cafe.
- ElifYemekler harikaydı.The food was great.
- MehmetEvet, ben çok beğendim.Yes, I liked it a lot.
- ElifHesap, lütfen!Check, please!
- MehmetBen ödüyorum, Elif.I am paying, Elif.
