¿me trae la cuenta?
The English phrase 'may I have the check?' is translated into Spanish as ¿me trae la cuenta?
This phrase is a polite request used to ask a server for the bill at a restaurant. If you want to be more direct and brief, you can simply say La cuenta, por favor to achieve the same result.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¿me trae la cuenta? literally translates to 'Will you bring me the account?', where cuenta means account or bill.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, people may use mozo instead of usted when addressing the server. In Mexico, it is common to raise your hand slightly when asking for the check.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the verb from trae to traes to make the request informal, such as in ¿me traes la cuenta?, which is used if you are on friendly terms with the server.
Did you know?
- In some regions, it is common to make a writing gesture in the air with your finger while saying ¿me trae la cuenta? This non-verbal cue mimics the act of writing down the total.
- The word cuenta comes from the Latin computāre, which means 'to calculate' or 'to reckon'. This is the same ancestor that gave English the word 'compute'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking for the check is not seen as a signal to leave immediately. Servers may take their time bringing it, as rushing a guest can be considered impolite.
Examples in context
- Perdone, ¿me trae la cuenta?Excuse me, may I have the check?
- Cuando pueda, ¿me trae la cuenta?When you can, may I have the check?
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are finishing their meal at a small café.
- JavierTodo estuvo delicioso, Sofía.Everything was delicious, Sofía.
- SofíaSí, fue un almuerzo muy agradable.Yes, it was a very pleasant lunch.
- JavierDisculpe, ¿me trae la cuenta?Excuse me, may I have the check?
- SofíaYo la pagaré esta vez, Javier.I will pay for it this time, Javier.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuenta, la, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
