When traveling or dining at a Korean restaurant, it’s essential to be familiar with common phrases and expressions, especially when it comes to paying the bill. Politeness is highly valued in Korean culture, so being able to communicate your request effectively will contribute to a pleasant experience. In this guide, we will provide you with various ways to say “the bill” in Korean, including both formal and informal phrases. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “The Bill”
1. 영수증 (yeongsujeung): This is the most commonly used term to refer to “the bill” in a formal setting. It can be used in various situations, such as restaurants, stores, or any other place where payment is required. When you want to ask for the bill politely, you can say:
영수증 주세요 (yeongsujeung juseyo) – “Please give me the bill.”
2. 청구서 (cheongguseo): This term is specifically used when requesting an official bill or invoice for a service provided, such as a hotel stay or rent expense. You can politely ask for the bill by saying:
청구서 주세요 (cheongguseo juseyo) – “Please give me the bill.”
Informal Ways to Say “The Bill”
1. 계산서 (gyesanseo): In informal settings, such as casual restaurants or when speaking with friends, you can use this term to refer to “the bill.” It is commonly used among younger generations and offers a more casual tone. You can say:
계산서 좀 주세요 (gyesanseo jom juseyo) – “Can I get the bill, please?”
2. 지불해야 할 돈 (jibulhaeya hal don): This phrase can be used informally to express the concept of “payment that needs to be made.” When you want to let your friends know it’s time to pay the bill together, you can say:
지불해야 할 돈이 있어 (jibulhaeya hal doni isseo) – “We need to pay the bill.”
Tips and Examples
1. To ensure smooth communication and avoid any confusion, it’s helpful to know a few additional phrases related to paying the bill:
- 결제하다 (gyeoljehada) – “To pay”
- 계산하다 (gyesanhada) – “To calculate/to settle the bill”
- 나눠서 계산하다 (nanweoseo gyesanhada) – “To split the bill”
- 싸게 해 주세요 (ssage hae juseyo) – “Please make it cheap”
2. When dining out in Korea, it’s common for the waitstaff to bring the bill to your table without being asked. However, if you’re waiting for the bill and want to catch their attention, you can politely say:
계산서 주세요 (gyesanseo juseyo) – “Please bring the bill.”
3. Remember that being polite and courteous is highly valued in Korean society. Always use polite speech forms, such as -세요 (seyo) or -주세요 (juseyo), when interacting with strangers or in formal situations to show respect.
4. Regional variations in Korea may use slightly different expressions for “the bill.” However, the above phrases are widely understood and can be used in most regions of the country.
Now that you have a variety of phrases to express “the bill” in Korean, you can confidently navigate payment situations while enjoying your time in Korea. Remember, a warm smile and respectful demeanor go a long way in creating positive interactions with locals. Happy travels and dining!
