Signification
An informal way to ask for the bill at a restaurant.
Contexte culturel
In traditional sushi shops, using specific jargon like 'O-aiso' or 'Agari' (tea) shows respect for the craft and the history of the shop. The 'shitamachi' (old downtown) area of Tokyo is where this kind of snappy, humble jargon is most at home. It reflects the frank and friendly nature of the people there. There is a modern debate about whether customers should use 'O-aiso.' Some believe it's better to use 'O-kaikei' to avoid using shop-side jargon incorrectly. The concept of 'Omotenashi' (hospitality) is central to 'O-aiso.' The bill is seen as the end of that hospitality, which is why the word is used.
The Sushi Master's Secret
Using 'O-aiso' at a counter-seat sushi bar often gets you a free cup of 'Agari' (green tea) to finish your meal.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it at a fancy hotel restaurant, you might look a bit uncultured. Stick to 'O-kaikei' there.
Signification
An informal way to ask for the bill at a restaurant.
The Sushi Master's Secret
Using 'O-aiso' at a counter-seat sushi bar often gets you a free cup of 'Agari' (green tea) to finish your meal.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it at a fancy hotel restaurant, you might look a bit uncultured. Stick to 'O-kaikei' there.
The Finger Cross
Some older Japanese people make an 'X' with their fingers when saying 'O-aiso.' It's a visual sign for 'Check!'
Teste-toi
Which of the following is the most appropriate place to use 'O-aiso'?
Where should you say 'O-aiso'?
'O-aiso' is traditional jargon best suited for sushi bars and local eateries.
Complete the sentence to ask for the bill politely.
お{愛想|あいそ}、_________。
'O-negai shimasu' is the standard way to make a polite request.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. O-kaikei 2. O-aiso 3. Chekku
O-kaikei is general, O-aiso is traditional, and Chekku is modern.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue at a sushi shop.
Customer: 大将、美味しかったよ！ ______！ Chef: はい、ありがとうございます！
In a sushi shop, 'O-aiso' is the perfect way to ask for the bill after praising the food.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use O-aiso
Use it here!
- • Sushi Bar
- • Local Izakaya
- • Traditional Pub
Avoid it here!
- • Starbucks
- • French Restaurant
- • McDonald's
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhere should you say 'O-aiso'?
'O-aiso' is traditional jargon best suited for sushi bars and local eateries.
お{愛想|あいそ}、_________。
'O-negai shimasu' is the standard way to make a polite request.
1. O-kaikei 2. O-aiso 3. Chekku
O-kaikei is general, O-aiso is traditional, and Chekku is modern.
Customer: 大将、美味しかったよ！ ______！ Chef: はい、ありがとうございます！
In a sushi shop, 'O-aiso' is the perfect way to ask for the bill after praising the food.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNot rude, but technically 'incorrect' according to traditional etiquette because it's shopkeeper jargon. However, 99% of restaurants will find it natural or even 'cool' if a foreigner uses it correctly.
Usually, ramen shops have you pay at a vending machine or a register. If you pay at the counter, 'O-kaikei' is more common, but 'O-aiso' is okay if it's a very old-school shop.
'O-kaikei' is the standard word for 'the bill.' 'O-aiso' is a specific, casual, and traditional version used mostly in sushi shops and izakayas.
Less than older generations. Young people tend to use 'O-kaikei' or just 'Check.'
Expressions liées
お{会計|かいけい}
synonymThe bill / payment
お{勘定|かんじょう}
synonymThe check / calculation
あがり
similarGreen tea (in a sushi shop)
ごちそうさまでした
builds onThank you for the meal
