pedir la cuenta
/pediɾ la kwenta/from spelling rules
The English phrase "get the check" is translated into Spanish as pedir la cuenta.
You use this phrase when you are at the end of a meal in a restaurant and wish to ask a server for the bill. In this specific context, la cuenta refers to the bill or the check.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cuenta is feminine, which requires it to be preceded by the feminine article la.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you do not need to say the full phrase pedir la cuenta to a waiter. Simply making a writing motion in the air with your hand is a widely understood non-verbal signal to bring the bill.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is considered impolite for a server to bring la cuenta before you have specifically asked for it, as it suggests they are rushing you out.
- The English word 'petition' shares an ancestor with pedir. Both words trace back to the Latin 'petere', which involves seeking or requesting something.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría traer la cuenta, por favor?Could you bring the check, please?
- ¿Nos podría traer la cuenta, por favor?Could you bring us the check, please?
- Disculpe, ¿podríamos pagar la cuenta?Excuse me, could we pay the bill?
- Tráeme la cuenta, por favor.Bring me the check, please.
- ¿Me puedes traer la cuenta, por favor?Can you bring me the check, please?
- Oye, ¿nos traes la cuenta?Hey, can you bring us the check?
- Traiga la cuenta, por favor.Bring the check, please.
- ¿Está incluido el servicio?Is the service included?
- ¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?Can you bring me the bill, please?
- Voy a pedir la cuenta.I am going to ask for the check.
- ¿Podemos pedir la cuenta, por favor?Can we ask for the check, please?
- Él prefiere pedir la cuenta ahora.He prefers to ask for the check now.
Example conversation
A couple is finishing their dinner at a cafe.
- JavierMaría, ¿quieres pedir la cuenta?María, do you want to ask for the check?
- MaríaSí, Javier, estoy lista.Yes, Javier, I am ready.
- JavierPerdone, ¿podemos pedir la cuenta?Excuse me, can we ask for the check?
- MaríaGracias, ha sido una cena excelente.Thank you, it has been an excellent dinner.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuenta, la, pedir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
