Meaning
Used to ask for the bill in a restaurant or cafe.
Cultural Background
Waiters will almost never bring the bill until you ask for it. This is to allow for 'sobremesa', the tradition of chatting long after the meal is over. It is common to use a hand gesture (miming writing) along with the phrase. Tipping 10-15% is expected and often called 'la propina'. In Buenos Aires cafes, you can simply say '¿Me cobrás?' (using the voseo form) in a casual setting.
The Gesture
If the waiter is far away, make eye contact and pretend to write on your palm. They will understand immediately.
Don't say 'Check'
Spanish speakers won't understand 'check'. Always use 'cuenta'.
Meaning
Used to ask for the bill in a restaurant or cafe.
The Gesture
If the waiter is far away, make eye contact and pretend to write on your palm. They will understand immediately.
Don't say 'Check'
Spanish speakers won't understand 'check'. Always use 'cuenta'.
Tipping
In Spain, 'la cuenta' is the total. Tipping is a few coins. In Mexico, add 10% to 'la cuenta'.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase to ask for the bill.
La ______, por favor.
'Cuenta' is the correct feminine noun for the bill.
Which is the most polite way to ask for the bill in a formal restaurant?
Choose the best option:
The conditional 'podría' adds a layer of formal politeness.
Complete the dialogue.
Cliente: 'Terminamos de comer.' Camarero: '¿Desean algo más?' Cliente: 'No, gracias. ________.'
After finishing a meal, you ask for the bill.
Match the Spanish phrase to its English equivalent.
Match them:
Direct vocabulary matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Cuenta vs. Cuento
Dining Phrases
Ordering
- • El menú
- • Para mí...
Paying
- • La cuenta
- • Propina
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLa ______, por favor.
'Cuenta' is the correct feminine noun for the bill.
Choose the best option:
The conditional 'podría' adds a layer of formal politeness.
Cliente: 'Terminamos de comer.' Camarero: '¿Desean algo más?' Cliente: 'No, gracias. ________.'
After finishing a meal, you ask for the bill.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct vocabulary matching.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt's grammatically correct but sounds very rude. Always add 'por favor'.
Say 'Queremos pagar por separado' before they bring the final 'cuenta'.
No, but it's regional. 'La cuenta' is understood everywhere.
Usually, the waiter who brings the 'cuenta' will take the payment.
'¿Me cobras?' is more common in very casual bars.
Yes, it means 'account' (bank) or 'bead' (jewelry).
It is always 'la cuenta' because it is a feminine noun.
No, 'cheque' only refers to a bank check used for large payments.
Related Phrases
La propina
similarThe tip
¿Me trae...?
builds onWill you bring me...?
Pagar con tarjeta
similarTo pay with a card
