أريد فاتورة من فضلك
uridu fatura min fadlik
I want a receipt please
Literally: Wanting (a) bill if you permitted
In 15 Seconds
- Used to request a bill or receipt in any shop.
- Must change 'Ayiz' (m) to 'Ayza' (f) based on speaker.
- Polite and standard for everyday transactions in Egypt.
Meaning
This is the most common and polite way to ask for a receipt or a bill in Egypt. It's your essential closing phrase for any shopping trip or meal out.
Key Examples
3 of 7Finishing a meal at a cafe
عايز فاتورة لو سمحت عشان الحساب
I want a receipt please for the bill.
Buying electronics at a mall
عايز فاتورة ضريبية لو سمحت
I want a tax invoice please.
A woman shopping for clothes
عايزة فاتورة لو سمحت
I (f) want a receipt please.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, the term 'Ya Basha' or 'Ya Rayis' is often added to the end of requests to waiters to show a friendly, informal respect. You might hear: 'Fātūra min fadlak ya rayis.' With the introduction of VAT (Value Added Tax), asking for a 'Fātūra' is now standard for every transaction, no matter how small. It is often digital and sent to your phone. In Lebanon, French and English are often mixed with Arabic. You might hear someone say 'Bill, please' or 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît' even in an Arabic conversation. In Morocco, the word 'L'addition' is very common due to French influence, but 'Fātūra' is used for official business and utilities (electricity, water).
The 'Law Samaht' Alternative
In Egypt, 'Law Samaht' is often more common than 'Min Fadlak'. Try swapping them to sound more like a local.
Gender Matters
Always check the gender of your server. 'Fadlak' for men, 'Fadlik' for women. It's a small change that makes a huge difference in politeness.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to request a bill or receipt in any shop.
- Must change 'Ayiz' (m) to 'Ayza' (f) based on speaker.
- Polite and standard for everyday transactions in Egypt.
What It Means
This phrase is your bread and butter for any transaction. It literally means "I want a receipt, please." It is simple, direct, and gets the job done immediately. In Egypt, you will use this everywhere from fancy malls to local pharmacies. It is the universal signal that you are ready to wrap things up and head out. Think of it as the polite period at the end of your shopping sentence.
How To Use It
You start with عايز (Ayiz) if you are a man. If you are a woman, you must say عايزة (Ayza). This is a tiny but vital grammar rule! Then you add فاتورة (fatoura) for the receipt itself. Always finish with لو سمحت (law samaht) to keep the vibe respectful. It is like a magic spell for getting your paperwork. Just say it clearly to the waiter or cashier. They will know exactly what you need and usually bring it quickly.
When To Use It
Use it at the end of a meal at a restaurant. Use it when buying clothes at the mall. It is perfect for when you need to track your spending. If you are on a business trip, you will definitely need this for your expenses. Even at a small grocery store, it is perfectly okay to ask. It shows you are organized and serious about your money. Plus, it helps avoid any confusion about the final price.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it at a tiny street stall selling grilled corn or prickly pears. They do not have printers, and you will get a very confused look! Avoid it when a friend treats you to coffee. Asking for the bill then would be a bit awkward and clinical. Also, if you are in a very high-end business meeting, use something softer. ممكن الفاتورة؟ (Moumkin el-fatoura?) sounds a bit more sophisticated and less demanding in those formal settings.
Cultural Background
In Egypt, the concept of a "fatoura" has changed over the years. Historically, many small shops didn't give receipts at all. Now, with modern tax laws and digital systems, almost everyone does. It is a sign of a "modern" and official transaction. Interestingly, the word فاتورة actually comes from the Italian word "fattura." It is a cool linguistic relic of Egypt’s cosmopolitan history and its long-standing trade ties with Europe.
Common Variations
If you just want the total price, say الحساب كام؟ (El-hisab kam?). If you want to be extra polite, try ممكن الفاتورة من فضلك؟ (Moumkin el-fatoura min fadlak?). In a taxi, you might ask for a وصل (wasl), which specifically means a voucher or a handwritten receipt. If you are in a rush, you might say الفاتورة بسرعة لو سمحت (The bill quickly, please), though use that one sparingly!
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and widely used. The most important thing to remember is the gender agreement for the word 'want' (Ayiz/Ayza).
The 'Law Samaht' Alternative
In Egypt, 'Law Samaht' is often more common than 'Min Fadlak'. Try swapping them to sound more like a local.
Gender Matters
Always check the gender of your server. 'Fadlak' for men, 'Fadlik' for women. It's a small change that makes a huge difference in politeness.
The Eye Contact
In a busy restaurant, raise your hand slightly and make eye contact while saying the phrase. Don't shout it from across the room.
Examples
7عايز فاتورة لو سمحت عشان الحساب
I want a receipt please for the bill.
Adding 'ashan el-hisab' clarifies you're ready to pay.
عايز فاتورة ضريبية لو سمحت
I want a tax invoice please.
Adding 'daribiyya' specifies you need a formal tax invoice.
عايزة فاتورة لو سمحت
I (f) want a receipt please.
Note the feminine ending on 'Ayza'.
هات الفاتورة معاك لو سمحت
Bring the receipt with you please.
Using 'hat' (bring) for a delivery context.
أنا عايز فاتورة لو سمحت عشان نقسم
I want a receipt please so we can split (the cost).
Commonly used when dining in groups.
هل ممكن أحصل على فاتورة لو سمحت؟
Is it possible to obtain a receipt please?
A more elevated way to ask in formal settings.
يا فندم، عايز فاتورة لو سمحت!
Sir, I want a receipt please!
Adding 'Ya fandem' (Sir/Madam) to get attention politely.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase to ask a female waiter for the bill.
أريد فاتورة من _______.
When speaking to a woman, the suffix changes from -ak to -iki.
Which word means 'Invoice' in Arabic?
ما معنى كلمة 'Invoice'؟
Fātūra is the specific word for an invoice or bill.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
الزبون: أنا جاهز للدفع. _______ من فضلك. النادل: طبعاً، سأحضرها الآن.
The customer says they are ready to pay, so they need the bill.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
أريد فاتورة ضريبية باسم الشركة.
A 'tax invoice in the company name' is a formal business request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Fātūra'
Places
- • Restaurant
- • Mall
- • Hotel
- • Office
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأريد فاتورة من _______.
When speaking to a woman, the suffix changes from -ak to -iki.
ما معنى كلمة 'Invoice'؟
Fātūra is the specific word for an invoice or bill.
الزبون: أنا جاهز للدفع. _______ من فضلك. النادل: طبعاً، سأحضرها الآن.
The customer says they are ready to pay, so they need the bill.
أريد فاتورة ضريبية باسم الشركة.
A 'tax invoice in the company name' is a formal business request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but 'Wasl' is more specific for a simple receipt. 'Fātūra' implies an itemized bill.
Only if it's a formal taxi company with a meter and printer. Otherwise, ask for a 'Wasl'.
The plural is 'Fawatīr' (فواتير).
No, you can just say 'Fātūra, min fadlak' and it is still very polite.
Related Phrases
الحساب من فضلك
synonymThe account, please.
أريد وصلاً
similarI want a receipt.
كم السعر؟
builds onHow much is the price?
احتفظ بالباقي
specialized formKeep the change.
