The bill, please
Bill request British
Use this phrase to politely request your final total at any British sit-down establishment.
En 15 secondes
- The standard British way to ask for the restaurant total.
- Always include 'please' to maintain essential British politeness.
- Use a 'writing in the air' gesture for non-verbal communication.
Signification
This is the standard, polite way to ask for the check at the end of a meal in the UK. It tells the server you are ready to pay and leave.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Finishing a meal at a cafe
Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?
Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?
A formal business lunch
The bill, please, when you have a moment.
The bill, please, when you have a moment.
Texting a friend who is at the counter
Just ask for the bill, please! I'm outside.
Just ask for the bill, please! I'm outside.
Contexte culturel
In British culture, servers avoid 'dropping' the bill until asked to ensure guests don't feel pressured to leave. This reflects a dining culture that prioritizes social leisure over quick table turnover. While 'check' is understood due to American media, 'bill' remains the distinct local preference.
The Air-Writing Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, catch the server's eye and pretend to write on your palm. They will bring the bill immediately!
Check vs. Bill
If you say 'check' in London, they will understand you, but you'll sound like a tourist. Use 'bill' to blend in like a local.
En 15 secondes
- The standard British way to ask for the restaurant total.
- Always include 'please' to maintain essential British politeness.
- Use a 'writing in the air' gesture for non-verbal communication.
What It Means
The bill, please is your final signal at a restaurant. It means you have finished eating. You are now ready to pay your money. It is simple, direct, and very effective. In British English, we use bill instead of the American check. It is the most common way to end a meal.
How To Use It
Wait for a gap in the server's movement. Catch their eye and say the phrase clearly. You can also use a small hand gesture. Imagine you are writing in the air with a pen. This is a universal sign for the bill. Always add please at the end. British culture values this small bit of politeness highly. Without it, you might sound a bit demanding.
When To Use It
Use this in any sit-down dining spot. It works at a fancy hotel restaurant. It works at a small local cafe. Use it when you are in a rush. Use it when you are lingering over coffee. It is the perfect 'all-rounder' phrase. If you are with friends, one person usually says it for the table.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a fast-food counter. You pay before you eat there! Avoid shouting it across a crowded room. That is considered quite rude in the UK. Don't use it if you are at a friend's house for dinner. That would be a very funny (and awkward) joke! Wait until the server is relatively close to you.
Cultural Background
In the UK, servers rarely bring the bill automatically. They don't want to make you feel rushed. They want you to enjoy your conversation. You must almost always ask for it yourself. The word bill comes from an old word for a formal document. It feels official but friendly. In some posh places, they might bring it in a small leather folder.
Common Variations
If you are feeling more casual, try Could we have the bill?. If you are in a hurry, try Can I pay now, please?. Some people just say Check, please, but that sounds very American. In a very relaxed pub, you might hear What do I owe you?. However, The bill, please remains the gold standard for any visitor.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and works in 95% of dining situations. The key is the 'please'—without it, the phrase becomes a command rather than a request.
The Air-Writing Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, catch the server's eye and pretend to write on your palm. They will bring the bill immediately!
Check vs. Bill
If you say 'check' in London, they will understand you, but you'll sound like a tourist. Use 'bill' to blend in like a local.
Service Charge
In the UK, the bill often includes a 'service charge'. If it does, you don't need to leave an extra tip!
Exemples
6Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?
Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?
Adding 'could we have' makes it slightly softer.
The bill, please, when you have a moment.
The bill, please, when you have a moment.
Professional and patient tone.
Just ask for the bill, please! I'm outside.
Just ask for the bill, please! I'm outside.
Direct instruction between friends.
You ate the whole cake? The bill, please!
You ate the whole cake? The bill, please!
Implying the friend needs to pay for their greed.
That was lovely. The bill, please.
That was lovely. The bill, please.
Smooth transition to ending the evening.
Sorry, we are in a hurry. The bill, please?
Sorry, we are in a hurry. The bill, please?
Urgent but still polite.
Teste-toi
Complete the polite request for the total at a London restaurant.
Excuse me, the ___, please.
In the UK, 'bill' is the standard term, whereas 'check' is American.
Which word makes the phrase polite enough for British culture?
The bill, ___.
'Please' is essential for a polite request in any English-speaking country.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Paying
Used with friends in a pub
What's the damage?
Standard polite request
The bill, please.
High-end dining
May we have the bill, please?
Where to say 'The bill, please'
Local Cafe
After a coffee and cake
Fine Dining
After a three-course meal
Family Pub
After Sunday Roast
Hotel Lounge
After afternoon tea
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! As long as you say please, it is perfectly polite and very common.
You can, but they usually say The check, please. They will still understand you perfectly.
Ask when you have finished your food and drinks. In the UK, they won't bring it until you ask.
Usually, you say it to your specific waiter, but any staff member can help you.
No, the 'writing in the air' sign is very common and helpful in busy restaurants.
You should say Can we pay separately? or We'd like to split the bill, please.
Yes, but in a restaurant, we always use bill. Invoice is for business services like plumbing or law.
Yes, try to catch their eye. Don't snap your fingers; that is considered very rude.
You can say Could I pay now, please? even while you are still finishing your last bite.
Yes, you can say May we have the bill, please? for a slightly more elegant tone.
Expressions liées
The check, please
The American version of asking for the bill.
Keep the change
Telling the server they can keep the extra money as a tip.
It's on me
A way to tell your friends that you will pay for everyone.
Split the bill
When everyone pays for their own portion of the meal.
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