En 15 secondes
- 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.
Signification
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.
Exemples clés
3 sur 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!
Contexte culturel
In the UK, the bill is often brought in a small folder. It is common to see a 12.5% 'optional' service charge added. You don't need to tip extra if this is included. Americans almost always say 'check' instead of 'bill'. Tipping is mandatory (18-25%) and is usually written by hand on the bill after they swipe your card. Tipping is not expected in Australia. When you ask for the bill, the price you see is exactly what you pay. Many people pay at the counter on the way out. Asking for the bill ('L'addition') is necessary because French servers consider it rude to bring it before you ask, as if they are kicking you out.
The Hand Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, you can catch the server's eye and pretend to write in the air with your hand while saying 'The bill, please.'
Don't Shout
Never shout 'BILL!' across the room. It is considered very rude. Wait for the server to walk near you or raise your hand slightly.
En 15 secondes
- 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!
Notes d'usage
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 Hand Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, you can catch the server's eye and pretend to write in the air with your hand while saying 'The bill, please.'
Don't Shout
Never shout 'BILL!' across the room. It is considered very rude. Wait for the server to walk near you or raise your hand slightly.
Ask Early
If you are in a hurry, ask for the bill at the same time you order your last drink or coffee.
Check vs Bill
Remember: 'Check' in the US, 'Bill' in the UK. Both are understood, but using the local one makes you sound more natural.
Exemples
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.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct words.
Can I ______ the ______, please?
'Can I have the bill' is the standard, polite formula.
Which phrase is the most polite for a restaurant?
You are finished eating. What do you say?
'Could' and 'please' make the request soft and respectful.
Fill in the customer's line.
Server: Would you like any dessert? Customer: No, thank you. ____________________
This is the natural time to ask for the bill after declining further food.
Match the phrase to the location.
Where would you say 'Can I have the bill?'
The 'bill' specifically refers to the total for a meal in a service environment.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCan I ______ the ______, please?
'Can I have the bill' is the standard, polite formula.
You are finished eating. What do you say?
'Could' and 'please' make the request soft and respectful.
Server: Would you like any dessert? Customer: No, thank you. ____________________
This is the natural time to ask for the bill after declining further food.
Where would you say 'Can I have the bill?'
The 'bill' specifically refers to the total for a meal in a service environment.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsBoth are correct. 'Could I' is slightly more polite and formal, while 'Can I' is the standard neutral version.
You can say, 'I'm sorry, I think there's a mistake on the bill.' and point to the item.
Yes! In English-speaking cultures, omitting 'please' when asking for the bill can sound like a rude command.
When you have finished your food and the server comes to clear your plates.
Usually, yes. You can ask, 'Can I pay by card?' when they bring the bill.
It means the tip is already part of the total price, so you don't need to add more money.
In casual cafes or pubs, yes. In formal restaurants, you should wait at your table.
It's understood because of American movies, but 'The bill, please' is much more common.
You can say, 'Can we split the bill, please?' or 'Can we pay separately?'
Wait for them to look your way and raise your index finger slightly. Don't wave your whole arm.
Yes, but 'invoice' is used for business services, while 'bill' is used for restaurants and utilities.
It comes from the practice of 'checking' the bill against a counterfoil to prevent fraud.
It's a bit direct. 'I'd like to pay' is better, but 'Can I have the bill' is the most natural.
A 'tab' is a bill that stays open while you order multiple drinks at a bar.
Expressions liées
Check, please
synonymThe American version of the phrase.
Settle the tab
similarTo pay a running total, usually at a bar.
It's on me
contrastI will pay for everyone.
Split the bill
builds onTo divide the total cost among the diners.
Foot the bill
specialized formTo pay for something expensive or a large total.
