Can I have the bill?
Bill request
Use this phrase to politely request your final total when you are finished eating at a restaurant.
15초 만에
- Polite way to ask for the total cost at a restaurant.
- Use 'check' in the USA and 'bill' in the UK.
- Always add 'please' to sound more natural and friendly.
- Signal this when you are ready to leave the table.
뜻
This is the standard, polite way to ask for the total amount you need to pay at a restaurant or cafe. It tells the server you are finished and ready to leave.
주요 예문
3 / 6Finishing a meal at a cafe
Can I have the bill, please?
Can I have the bill, please?
A formal business dinner
Could we have the bill when you have a moment?
Could we have the bill when you have a moment?
Texting a friend who is at the counter
Grab the bill and let's go!
Grab the bill and let's go!
문화적 배경
In many English-speaking countries, asking for the bill is the signal for the 'tipping ritual' to begin. While 'the bill' is preferred in British English, 'the check' is the dominant term in American English. Interestingly, in the UK, it is often considered polite to wait for the server to notice you rather than waving frantically.
The Air-Sign
If the restaurant is loud, you can mimic writing in the air with your hand while catching the server's eye. It's a silent way to ask for the bill!
Don't just say 'Bill!'
Saying just the word `Bill!` sounds like a command. Always use `Can I...` and `please` to stay on the server's good side.
15초 만에
- Polite way to ask for the total cost at a restaurant.
- Use 'check' in the USA and 'bill' in the UK.
- Always add 'please' to sound more natural and friendly.
- Signal this when you are ready to leave the table.
What It Means
Can I have the bill? is your go-to phrase for ending a meal. It is simple, direct, and very polite. You are asking the server to bring the piece of paper showing your total cost. It is the universal signal that your dining experience is over.
How To Use It
Say this when you are ready to pay. You can catch the server's eye and say it clearly. Often, people add please at the end to be extra nice. You don't need a long speech. Just wait for a break in their movement and speak up. If they are far away, a small hand gesture helps.
When To Use It
Use this in any sit-down dining situation. It works at fancy restaurants, casual diners, and cozy cafes. Use it when you are in a hurry. Use it when you are lingering over coffee but want to be ready. It is perfect for business lunches or first dates. It keeps things smooth and professional.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at fast-food counters. There, you pay before you eat. Avoid saying it if your friend is still mid-bite. It might feel like you are rushing them! Also, don't shout it across a crowded room. That is considered quite rude in most English-speaking cultures.
Cultural Background
In the US, people often say the check instead of the bill. In the UK and Australia, the bill is the standard term. Tipping is a huge part of this moment in North America. When you ask for the bill, be ready to calculate a tip. In some cultures, asking for the bill is a battle of who pays. In English-speaking countries, it is usually more straightforward.
Common Variations
If you are in America, try Can I have the check?. For a more formal vibe, use Could we have the bill, please?. If you are in a rush, Check, please! is short and punchy. If you want to be very casual with friends, you might say Ready for the damage?. That last one is a joke about the high price!
사용 참고사항
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any dining situation. Just remember to swap `bill` for `check` when in North America to sound more natural.
The Air-Sign
If the restaurant is loud, you can mimic writing in the air with your hand while catching the server's eye. It's a silent way to ask for the bill!
Don't just say 'Bill!'
Saying just the word `Bill!` sounds like a command. Always use `Can I...` and `please` to stay on the server's good side.
The US/UK Switch
If you are in London, ask for the `bill`. If you are in New York, ask for the `check`. They will understand both, but you'll sound like a local if you switch!
예시
6Can I have the bill, please?
Can I have the bill, please?
The most common and polite way to ask.
Could we have the bill when you have a moment?
Could we have the bill when you have a moment?
Using 'could' and 'we' makes it sound more professional.
Grab the bill and let's go!
Grab the bill and let's go!
Very informal and direct for friends.
I'm scared to ask, but can I have the bill?
I'm scared to ask, but can I have the bill?
Humorous way to acknowledge the meal was pricey.
I'll take the bill, thank you.
I'll take the bill, thank you.
A way to signal you are paying for both people.
Can I have the bill now? I'm in a bit of a hurry.
Can I have the bill now? I'm in a bit of a hurry.
Explaining why you need it quickly is helpful.
셀프 테스트
Choose the most polite word to complete the request.
Can I ___ the bill, please?
The verb `have` is the standard way to request an item like a bill or a menu.
If you are in New York, which word is more common?
Can I have the ___, please?
In the United States, `check` is much more common than `bill`.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of Paying
Short and quick
Check, please!
Standard polite request
Can I have the bill?
Very soft and indirect
Could we settle the bill, please?
Where to use 'Can I have the bill?'
Fine Dining
Could we have the bill?
Local Cafe
Can I get the bill?
Pub/Bar
What's the damage?
Business Lunch
I'll take the bill.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, it is perfectly polite for everyday use. Adding please at the end makes it even better.
They mean the same thing. Bill is used in the UK/Australia, and check is used in the USA/Canada.
It is better to avoid I want. It sounds a bit demanding; Can I have is much softer.
In some countries, they bring it automatically. In most English-speaking places, you usually have to ask for it.
You can say I'll take the bill or It's on me. This tells the server not to split the cost.
Yes, a small wave or the 'writing in the air' gesture is common and helpful.
You can say Can we split the bill? or We'd like to pay separately.
Usually, you pay per drink at a bar, but if you have a 'tab' open, you can ask for the bill at the end.
It is a slightly more formal way to say 'pay the bill'. Example: I'd like to settle the bill now.
Yes, Can I get is a bit more casual than Can I have, but it is very common in the US.
관련 표현
Check, please!
The short, American way to ask for the bill.
Could we settle up?
A casual way to say you are ready to pay and leave.
It's on me.
A phrase used to tell others you will pay for the whole meal.
Keep the change.
What you say when the tip is included in the cash you gave.
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