Meaning
To receive an invoice for goods or services.
Cultural Background
The 'Ta'arof' ritual is inseparable from getting the bill. Even if you intend to pay, you must wait for the host to offer, and then insist on paying yourself. Similar to Iran, hospitality is paramount. Getting the bill is often done discreetly to avoid making the guest feel uncomfortable. While Persian-speaking, the influence of Soviet bureaucracy means 'Soorat-hesab' is very formal, and 'Chek' (Check) is often used informally. In Iranian business, 'Soorat-hesab' must be 'Rasmi' (official) with a stamp to be valid for tax deductions.
The Magic Word
Always add 'Lotfan' (Please) before or after 'Soorat-hesab begiram' to sound like a polite native speaker.
Don't just grab it
In a group, wait for a pause in conversation before asking for the bill; interrupting to get the bill can be seen as a sign you are bored.
Meaning
To receive an invoice for goods or services.
The Magic Word
Always add 'Lotfan' (Please) before or after 'Soorat-hesab begiram' to sound like a polite native speaker.
Don't just grab it
In a group, wait for a pause in conversation before asking for the bill; interrupting to get the bill can be seen as a sign you are bored.
Digital Bills
In Iran, many cafes now use QR codes. You 'Soorat-hesab migirid' by scanning the code on your phone.
Ta'arof Warning
If someone says 'Ghabeli nadare' when you get the bill, they are being polite. You MUST still pay!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'gereftan'.
من دیروز صورتحساب را ________.
'Dirooz' (yesterday) requires the past tense.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask for the bill?
How do you ask a waiter for the bill?
Using 'Mitavanam' (Can I) makes the request polite.
Match the Persian phrase with its English context.
Match the following:
These are common pairings in financial contexts.
Complete the dialogue.
مشتری: ببخشید، میز شماره ۵ هستم. ________؟ پیشخدمت: بله، الان برایتان میآورم.
The waiter's response 'I'll bring it for you' implies a request for the bill.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن دیروز صورتحساب را ________.
'Dirooz' (yesterday) requires the past tense.
How do you ask a waiter for the bill?
Using 'Mitavanam' (Can I) makes the request polite.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common pairings in financial contexts.
مشتری: ببخشید، میز شماره ۵ هستم. ________؟ پیشخدمت: بله، الان برایتان میآورم.
The waiter's response 'I'll bring it for you' implies a request for the bill.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. It's perfect for restaurants and offices.
Yes, in a cafe you can say 'Hesab-o lotfan' (The bill, please).
'Factor' is more common in shops for physical goods, while 'Soorat-hesab' is more common for services and dining.
You say 'Man soorat-hesab-o gereftam'.
Yes, if you are referring to a specific bill: 'Soorat-hesab-o (ra) gerefti?'
Yes, 'Soorat-hesab-e banki' means bank statement.
You say 'In soorat-hesab eshtebah ast' (This bill is wrong).
No, you can also 'daryaft kardan' (receive) it in very formal writing.
Yes, but 'Hagh-ol-zahmeh' is the specific term for a professional fee.
Not really; slang usually simplifies it to just 'Hesab'.
Related Phrases
حساب کردن
builds onTo pay/settle the bill
رسید گرفتن
similarTo get a receipt
فاکتور زدن
specialized formTo issue an invoice
تسویه حساب
builds onSettling the account
پیشفاکتور
similarPro-forma invoice
