Signification
Asking for the check in a restaurant.
Contexte culturel
Waiters in Latvia will rarely bring the bill unless you ask for it. It is considered polite to let guests sit as long as they like. Tipping is common but not mandatory. 10% is the standard 'good' tip. You can add it to the card payment or leave cash in the bill folder. Card payments are ubiquitous. Even small cafes in remote villages usually accept contactless payments. Splitting the bill is common among friends. It is best to inform the waiter when you first ask for the bill.
The Hand Signal
If the restaurant is loud, you can catch the waiter's eye and make a 'writing in the air' motion while saying the phrase.
Don't Snap
Never snap your fingers to get a waiter's attention in Latvia; it is considered extremely rude. A polite 'Atvainojiet' (Excuse me) followed by 'Lūdzu rēķinu' is the way to go.
Signification
Asking for the check in a restaurant.
The Hand Signal
If the restaurant is loud, you can catch the waiter's eye and make a 'writing in the air' motion while saying the phrase.
Don't Snap
Never snap your fingers to get a waiter's attention in Latvia; it is considered extremely rude. A polite 'Atvainojiet' (Excuse me) followed by 'Lūdzu rēķinu' is the way to go.
The 'Ar Karti' Shortcut
If you want to be efficient, say 'Lūdzu rēķinu, ar karti!' immediately. The waiter will bring the terminal on the first trip.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask for the bill politely.
Lūdzu _______!
We use the accusative case 'rēķinu' because it is the object of the request.
Which phrase is the most natural way to ask for the check in a Riga cafe?
Select the best option:
'Es gribu naudu' means 'I want money', and 'Kur ir kase' means 'Where is the register'.
Complete the dialogue between a guest and a waiter.
Viesis: Viss bija ļoti garšīgi. _________? Oficiants: Jā, tūlīt atnesīšu.
The guest is finished eating ('everything was delicious') and is now asking for the bill.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a restaurant with a business partner and need an invoice for your company.
'Uz uzņēmuma vārda' means 'in the company's name', which is required for business invoices.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use 'Lūdzu rēķinu!'
Yes
- • Restaurants
- • Cafes
- • Bars
- • Hotels
No
- • Supermarkets
- • Buses
- • Private Homes
- • Street Markets
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLūdzu _______!
We use the accusative case 'rēķinu' because it is the object of the request.
Select the best option:
'Es gribu naudu' means 'I want money', and 'Kur ir kase' means 'Where is the register'.
Viesis: Viss bija ļoti garšīgi. _________? Oficiants: Jā, tūlīt atnesīšu.
The guest is finished eating ('everything was delicious') and is now asking for the bill.
Situation: You are at a restaurant with a business partner and need an invoice for your company.
'Uz uzņēmuma vārda' means 'in the company's name', which is required for business invoices.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUse 'rēķinu' (ending in -u) when asking for it. 'Rēķins' is the dictionary form.
Yes, omitting 'lūdzu' makes the request sound like a command, which is rude.
No, in a shop you just go to the 'kase' (register). Use this only where a waiter serves you.
Say 'Lūdzu rēķinu, maksāsim atsevišķi'.
Say 'Atvainojiet, šeit ir kļūda' (Excuse me, there is a mistake here).
Usually no. In Latvia, tips are separate unless stated otherwise on the menu.
In Riga, most waiters speak English, but using the Latvian phrase is highly appreciated!
'Rēķins' is what you get to see how much you owe; 'čeks' is the receipt you get after you pay.
It is neutral and appropriate for almost any dining situation.
It's like the 'ch' in 'British' but softer, or like the 'k' in 'skew'.
Expressions liées
Maksāt ar karti
builds onTo pay by card
Skaidra nauda
similarCash
Dzeramnauda
similarTip (literally 'drinking money')
Atlikums
similarChange
