la cuenta, por favor
/la ˈkwenta poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
In Spanish, 'I need the check' is expressed as la cuenta, por favor.
This phrase is a request used in a restaurant to ask the server for the bill. While English speakers often use a full sentence like 'I need the check', in Spanish it is much more common and natural to simply say la cuenta, por favor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase la cuenta literally means 'the bill' (or 'the account').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form la cuenta, por favor is a polite way to address a server. For more formal situations, you can use longer sentences such as ¿Puedo pedir la cuenta, por favor?, Disculpe, ¿podría traerme la cuenta, por favor? or Me gustaría pagar, ¿puede traerme la cuenta? In informal settings, you might hear ¿Nos puedes traer la cuenta, por favor? or Oye, ¿me traes la cuenta? Very casual speech might even use Cuando puedas me das la cuenta, por fa.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word cuenta is a feminine noun, so it must be preceded by the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/la ˈkwenta poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to make a writing motion in the air with your index finger while saying la cuenta to signal the server.
- In some cultures, asking for la cuenta too quickly after finishing a meal can be seen as impolite, as it suggests the host or restaurant is rushing the guest.
- The word cuenta shares a common ancestor with the English word 'count', as both stem from the idea of reckoning or calculating.
Examples in context
- ¿Nos trae la cuenta, por favor?Can you bring us the check, please?
Example conversation
María and Javier are finishing their meal at a restaurant.
- MaríaTodo estuvo delicioso.Everything was delicious.
- JavierSí, me gustó mucho.Yes, I liked it a lot.
- MaríaMesero, la cuenta, por favor.Waiter, the check, please.
- JavierYo la pago hoy.I will pay today.
