أريد أن أغلق الحساب
urid an ughliq al-hisab
I want to close the account
Literally: Want I-close the account
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for the bill in restaurants or cafes.
- Change 'ayez' to 'ayza' if you are female.
- Commonly used in Egypt and understood across the Arab world.
Meaning
This is the standard way to ask for the bill at a restaurant or to close out your tab. It literally means you want to settle the account so you can leave.
Key Examples
3 of 6Finishing a meal at a local cafe
يا ريس، عايز أقفل الحساب لو سمحت.
Boss, I want to close the account please.
A woman asking for the check
لو سمحت، أنا عايزة أقفل الحساب.
Excuse me, I want to close the account.
At a business lunch
ممكن أقفل الحساب دلوقتي؟
Can I close the account now?
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the 'tab' culture common in Egyptian neighborhoods where locals often have ongoing accounts at kiosks. It also triggers the famous 'Karam' (generosity) battle where friends compete to pay. While simple, it is the essential key to navigating social dining in Cairo.
The Hand Gesture
If the place is noisy, mimic writing on your palm with your other hand while saying the phrase. Everyone will understand immediately.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to use 'ayza' if you are female. Using 'ayez' won't be a disaster, but it sounds like you're reading from a male-centric textbook!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for the bill in restaurants or cafes.
- Change 'ayez' to 'ayza' if you are female.
- Commonly used in Egypt and understood across the Arab world.
What It Means
عايز أقفل الحساب is your go-to phrase for finishing a transaction. In Egyptian Arabic, عايز means 'I want' and أقفل means 'to close'. You aren't literally closing a bank account here. You are telling the waiter or clerk that you are ready to pay. It is direct, clear, and very common.
How To Use It
Use it when you are ready to head home. You can say it to a waiter from across the table. You can also say it at a small grocery store if you have a running tab. Just catch their eye and say it with a smile. If you are a woman, remember to say عايزة (ayza) instead of عايز (ayez). It is a small change but makes you sound like a pro.
When To Use It
Use this at any cafe, restaurant, or local 'ahwa' (coffee shop). It works perfectly when you are in a hurry. It also works in professional settings like a business lunch. If you have been sitting for hours, this phrase signals the end of the hang-out. It is the universal 'check, please' of the Middle East.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this at a fast-food counter where you pay first. That would just be confusing for everyone. Avoid using it in very high-end, formal hotels unless you add 'please'. In those cases, الشيك لو سمحت (The check, please) sounds a bit more polished. Also, don't say it to a friend who invited you over for dinner. That might imply you think their house is a restaurant!
Cultural Background
In many Arab cultures, paying the bill is a social dance. People often fight over who gets to 'close the account' as a sign of generosity. Saying عايز أقفل الحساب is often the opening move in this friendly argument. It shows you are taking responsibility for the group. It is a phrase rooted in the hospitality culture of the region.
Common Variations
If you want to be extra polite, add لو سمحت (law samaht) at the end. In some places, people just say الحساب كام؟ (How much is the account?). In the Levant, you might hear بدي سكر الحساب (Baddi sakkir el-hisab). They all lead to the same result: getting your wallet out and finishing the meal.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal expression. It is perfect for 90% of daily interactions in Egypt. In very formal settings, swap 'Ayez' for 'Momken' (Is it possible).
The Hand Gesture
If the place is noisy, mimic writing on your palm with your other hand while saying the phrase. Everyone will understand immediately.
Gender Matters
Don't forget to use 'ayza' if you are female. Using 'ayez' won't be a disaster, but it sounds like you're reading from a male-centric textbook!
The Fake Fight
If a local friend tries to stop you from paying, it's polite to insist at least twice before letting them 'win' and pay the bill.
Examples
6يا ريس، عايز أقفل الحساب لو سمحت.
Boss, I want to close the account please.
Using 'Ya Rayis' is a friendly way to address the waiter.
لو سمحت، أنا عايزة أقفل الحساب.
Excuse me, I want to close the account.
Notice the feminine form 'ayza' used here.
ممكن أقفل الحساب دلوقتي؟
Can I close the account now?
Adding 'momken' (possible) makes it more professional.
أنا هعدي بكرة أقفل الحساب القديم.
I will stop by tomorrow to close the old account.
Refers to settling a running tab at a local shop.
لا والله، أنا اللي عايز أقفل الحساب النهاردة!
No, by God, I am the one who wants to pay today!
A classic display of Arab hospitality and insistence.
بسرعة بس، عايز أقفل الحساب عشان متأخر.
Quickly please, I want to pay because I'm late.
Direct and urgent but still polite.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct feminine form of the phrase.
يا لوجي، أنتي ___ أقفل الحساب؟
In Egyptian Arabic, 'ayza' is the feminine form of 'want'.
Complete the phrase to ask for the bill politely.
يا محمد، عايز أقفل الحساب ___.
'Law samaht' means 'if you please' and is the standard way to show respect.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale
To a friend or younger waiter
عايز أقفل الحساب
Standard restaurant usage
عايز أقفل الحساب لو سمحت
High-end dining or hotel
ممكن الحساب من فضلك؟
Where to use it
Local Ahwa
Paying for tea and shisha
Grocery Store
Settling a weekly tab
Restaurant
Ending a family dinner
Taxi
Paying a long-distance fare
Practice Bank
2 exercisesيا لوجي، أنتي ___ أقفل الحساب؟
In Egyptian Arabic, 'ayza' is the feminine form of 'want'.
يا محمد، عايز أقفل الحساب ___.
'Law samaht' means 'if you please' and is the standard way to show respect.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile it can mean that in a bank, 99% of the time it just means 'I want the bill' in a restaurant or shop.
Not at all in Egyptian Arabic. It is very standard, but adding لو سمحت (law samaht) makes it much softer.
You can say عايزين نقفل الحساب (ayzeen ni'fel el-hisab) which means 'We want to close the account'.
They will understand you perfectly, though they might use الفاتورة (el-fatoora) or الشيك (el-check) more often.
Say the phrase first, then add ممكن بالفيزا؟ (momken bel-visa?) to ask if they accept cards.
الحساب is the general 'account' or 'total', while الفاتورة is the physical piece of paper (the invoice).
In Egypt, it is perfectly fine to raise your hand and say it to get their attention.
Yes, if you want to deactivate a Facebook or Netflix account, you would also use the verb قفل (to close).
The most polite version would be ممكن الحساب من فضلك؟ (Momken el-hisab min fadlak?).
Both are correct! عايز (ayez) is more common in Cairo, while عاوز (awez) is heard more in rural areas or Upper Egypt.
Related Phrases
الحساب كام؟
How much is the bill?
خلي الباقي عشانك
Keep the change for yourself.
على حسابي
It's on me (I'm paying).
الفاتورة لو سمحت
The invoice/bill please.
