15초 만에
- 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.
뜻
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.
주요 예문
3 / 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.
문화적 배경
Waiters will rarely bring the bill until you ask for it. It's considered polite to let guests linger as long as they like. The bill (called 'the check') is often brought to the table before you even ask, sometimes while you are still finishing your meal. This is not considered rude, but efficient. Asking for 'L'addition' is a formal requirement. If you don't ask, you might be there all night! It's a sign of respect for your dining time. Instead of asking at the table, look for a small clipboard or slip of paper. You take this to the register near the door to pay.
The Air-Write
If the restaurant is loud, catch the waiter's eye and pretend to write in the air with your hand. It's the universal sign for 'The bill, please.'
Don't Shout
Never shout 'Bill!' across a room. It is considered very rude in English-speaking cultures. Wait for the server to come near or raise a hand slightly.
15초 만에
- 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.
사용 참고사항
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-Write
If the restaurant is loud, catch the waiter's eye and pretend to write in the air with your hand. It's the universal sign for 'The bill, please.'
Don't Shout
Never shout 'Bill!' across a room. It is considered very rude in English-speaking cultures. Wait for the server to come near or raise a hand slightly.
Check for Service
In London, always look for 'Service Charge' on the bill. If it's there, you don't need to leave an extra tip!
예시
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.
셀프 테스트
Complete the polite request for the bill.
Excuse me, could we have ____ ____, please?
We use 'the' because it is a specific bill for your table.
Which phrase is most natural in a London restaurant?
You have finished your meal and want to pay. What do you say?
'Bill' is the standard term in the UK; 'check' is American.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a waiter.
Waiter: Would you like any dessert? Customer: No thank you. ____ ____ ____, ____?
This is the standard way to decline further food and ask to pay.
Match the phrase to the correct country.
Where would you most likely say 'The check, please'?
'Check' is the American English term for a restaurant bill.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
UK vs USA Dining
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Excuse me, could we have ____ ____, please?
We use 'the' because it is a specific bill for your table.
You have finished your meal and want to pay. What do you say?
'Bill' is the standard term in the UK; 'check' is American.
Waiter: Would you like any dessert? Customer: No thank you. ____ ____ ____, ____?
This is the standard way to decline further food and ask to pay.
Where would you most likely say 'The check, please'?
'Check' is the American English term for a restaurant bill.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문In the UK, Australia, and most of Europe, it's 'bill'. In the USA and Canada, it's 'check'.
It's better to say 'The bill, please.' The word 'the' makes it sound more natural.
You can say, 'The bill, please. Do you take card?'
No, it's perfectly fine, especially in casual restaurants or if you are in a hurry.
You can say, 'Could we split the bill, please?' or 'Can we pay separately?'
In the UK, yes, you usually have to ask for it first.
The bill is the request for payment. The receipt is the proof that you have already paid.
Yes, if you have been ordering drinks to your table or have a 'tab' open.
No, it's a perfect neutral phrase for any service situation.
You can say, 'Excuse me, I think there's a mistake on the bill.'
관련 표현
Check, please
similarThe American version of the phrase.
Can we settle up?
informalTo pay the total amount owed.
It's on me
builds onI will pay for everyone.
Service included
specialized formThe tip is already in the price.
