la cuenta, por favor
/la ˈkwenta poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
To say "I want the check" in Spanish, you use la cuenta, por favor.
While the English phrase "I want the check" is a full sentence, it is more natural and polite in Spanish to simply say la cuenta, por favor (the bill, please) rather than using a verb like quiero (I want).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase la cuenta literally means "the account" or "the bill".
How do you pronounce it?
/la ˈkwenta poɾ faˈboɾ/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, servers will not bring the bill to the table until you explicitly ask for it, as leaving before the bill arrives can be seen as rude or as rushing the guest.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to make a writing motion in the air with your hand while saying la cuenta to signal the server from a distance.
- The word cuenta is a deverbal noun, meaning it is derived from the verb contar, which means to count or to tell a story.
- Depending on the country, you might hear la cuenta used to refer to a bank account or a social media profile rather than a restaurant bill.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría traerme la cuenta, por favor?Could you bring me the check, please?
- Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?Can you bring me the check, please?
- ¿Me das la cuenta, por favor?Can you give me the check, please?
- Sí, ¿me puedes traer la cuenta, por favor?Yes, can you bring me the check, please?
- Mesero, la cuenta, por favor.Waiter, the check, please.
- Cuando pueda, la cuenta, por favor.The check, please, when you can.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- AlejandroYa terminé mi postre.I've finished my dessert.
- MaríaYo también, ya estoy llena.Me too, I'm already full.
- AlejandroCamarero, la cuenta, por favor.Waiter, the check, please.
- MaríaYo pago la cena hoy.I'll pay for dinner today.
