Meaning
To settle an outstanding payment for goods or services.
Cultural Background
It is common to use the word 'Hisāb' more than 'Fātūrah' in social settings. The host will often say 'Khalīha 'alaynā' (Leave it on us) as a sign of extreme hospitality. The 'fight' over the bill is a national sport. Even if someone is struggling financially, they might insist on paying to show 'Gada'ana' (manliness/chivalry). In business, 'Tasdid' is the preferred term for paying invoices. In social life, the eldest or the person who invited the others usually pays without question. French influence is strong, so you might hear 'L'addition' used alongside 'Al-fātūrah'.
Use 'Hisāb' for restaurants
While 'Fātūrah' is correct, saying 'Al-hisāb, law samaht' (The account, please) sounds more natural in a cafe.
Check the 'Ayn'
Make sure to pronounce the 'ع' in 'Yadfa' clearly, or it might sound like another word.
Meaning
To settle an outstanding payment for goods or services.
Use 'Hisāb' for restaurants
While 'Fātūrah' is correct, saying 'Al-hisāb, law samaht' (The account, please) sounds more natural in a cafe.
Check the 'Ayn'
Make sure to pronounce the 'ع' in 'Yadfa' clearly, or it might sound like another word.
The Bill Fight
Don't be shocked if someone snatches the bill from your hand; it's a sign of affection!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the correct present tense form for 'I'.
أنا ____ الفاتورة في المطعم. (أدفع / يدفع)
The first person singular 'I' (أنا) requires the verb to start with 'Alif' (أ).
Which word means 'The Bill'?
ما معنى كلمة 'The Bill' باللغة العربية؟
الفاتورة is the Arabic word for bill/invoice.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a waiter.
الزبون: أريد أن ____ الفاتورة، من فضلك.
You 'pay' (adfa'a) a bill, you don't drink or sleep it.
Match the phrase to the situation.
فاتورة الكهرباء
Electricity bills are paid at utility offices or online.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesأنا ____ الفاتورة في المطعم. (أدفع / يدفع)
The first person singular 'I' (أنا) requires the verb to start with 'Alif' (أ).
ما معنى كلمة 'The Bill' باللغة العربية؟
الفاتورة is the Arabic word for bill/invoice.
الزبون: أريد أن ____ الفاتورة، من فضلك.
You 'pay' (adfa'a) a bill, you don't drink or sleep it.
فاتورة الكهرباء
Electricity bills are paid at utility offices or online.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but usually you say 'Dafa'tu lahu' (I paid him). 'Fātūrah' implies a document exists.
Yes, from Morocco to Iraq, 'Fātūrah' is understood, though 'Hisāb' is a common alternative.
There isn't one word. You say 'Nataqāsam al-hisāb' (We divide the account).
The plural is 'Fawātīr' (فواتير).
It is neutral. It works in a palace or a pizza shop.
Related Phrases
دفع نقداً
specialized formTo pay in cash
دفع بالبطاقة
specialized formTo pay by card
وصل
similarReceipt
سدّد الدين
builds onTo settle a debt
قسيمة
similarVoucher/Coupon
