la cuenta
/la kwenta/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for restaurant check is la cuenta.
la cuenta refers to the printed list of charges for food and drinks that a customer pays at the end of a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cuenta literally means 'account' or 'count'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to refer to the restaurant check as la cuenta.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use el cheque to mean a restaurant bill. However, el cheque refers specifically to a bank check used for payment.
When do people say it?
After a waiter brings the check, a polite way to express your appreciation is to say Muchas gracias.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is considered rude for a waiter to bring la cuenta before you specifically ask for it, as it implies they are rushing you out of the restaurant.
- The word cuenta comes from the Latin 'computare', which is the same ancestor for the English words 'compute' and 'computer'.
- In some traditional settings, customers may signal for la cuenta by mimicking the gesture of writing in the air with their hand toward the waiter.
Examples in context
- ¿Nos trae la cuenta, por favor?Could you bring us the check, please?
- He pagado la cuenta con tarjeta.I paid the check with a card.
Example conversation
María and Javier are finishing their lunch at a cafe.
- MaríaJavier, ¿puedes pedir la cuenta?Javier, can you ask for the check?
- JavierSí, ahora mismo le digo al camarero.Yes, I'll tell the waiter right now.
- MaríaGracias, yo voy guardando mi bolso.Thanks, I'm going to put away my purse.
- JavierPerfecto, ya tenemos la cuenta aquí.Perfect, we have the check here now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cuenta, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
