What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 계산 (calculation/settlement), 하다 (to do) and 싶어요 (want to).
Which one should you use?
While 계산하고 싶어요 is a direct way to say "I want to pay", it is more natural and common to use 계산할게요 to signal to a staff member that you are ready to settle the bill.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the situation. For very formal situations, you can use 계산하고 싶습니다. In business-related contexts, the more formal expression 지불하고자 합니다. can be used to mean "I would like to make a payment." If you are speaking informally, such as to a friend, you can say 내가 계산할게요, which means "I'll pay for it."
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 계산하다 (to calculate/pay) is combined with the auxiliary verb pattern -고 싶다 (to want to) to express desire.
How do you pronounce it?
gyesanhago sipeoyo
Did you know?
- In many Korean restaurants, you do not wait for a server to bring the bill to your table. Instead, you take your bill or table number and go to the counter to say 계산할게요.
- When paying, Koreans often use both hands to give or receive a credit card or cash. Using only one hand can be perceived as impolite or overly casual toward the cashier.
- When paying for a group, it is common to see people playfully fight over who gets to say 내가 계산할게요. This social competition is seen as a gesture of generosity and respect.
Examples in context
- 네, 지불하고자 합니다.Yes, I would like to pay.
- 네, 계산하고 싶습니다.Yes, I want to pay.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are at a cafe counter.
- 민준 Min-jun저기요, 계산하고 싶어요.jeogiyo, gyesanhago sipeoyo.Excuse me, I want to pay.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 도와드릴게요.ne, dowadeurilgeyo.Yes, I can help you.
- 민준 Min-jun이걸로 계산해 주세요.igeollo gyesanhae juseyo.Please charge it to this.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 알겠습니다.ne, algetseumnida.Yes, I understand.
