Meaning
To request the check for items consumed.
Cultural Background
The '10%' is almost always included. If you ask for the bill, it will show the 'subtotal' and the 'taxa de serviço'. You pay the total. It is common to ask for a 'fatura com número de contribuinte' (tax ID) when asking for the bill to get tax rebates. In both countries, it is considered slightly rude to split the bill down to the cent with the waiter. Usually, one person pays or the total is divided equally.
The Hand Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, make eye contact with the waiter and pretend to write on your hand. They will understand immediately.
Don't shout
Avoid shouting 'Garçom!' across the room. A raised hand or a quiet 'Licença' is much more polite.
Meaning
To request the check for items consumed.
The Hand Gesture
If the restaurant is loud, make eye contact with the waiter and pretend to write on your hand. They will understand immediately.
Don't shout
Avoid shouting 'Garçom!' across the room. A raised hand or a quiet 'Licença' is much more polite.
Test Yourself
Which verb is correct when requesting the bill?
Eu quero _______ a conta.
We use 'pedir' for requests.
Complete the sentence with the correct article.
Garçom, pode trazer ___ conta?
'Conta' is feminine.
What would you say to the waiter?
Waiter: 'Desejam mais alguma coisa?' | You: 'Não, obrigado. ___________.'
This is the standard way to end the meal.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: You are leaving a job in Brazil.
In Brazil, this idiom means to resign.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Restaurant Actions
Beginning
- • Pedir o menu
- • Pedir uma mesa
End
- • Pedir a conta
- • Pagar a conta
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu quero _______ a conta.
We use 'pedir' for requests.
Garçom, pode trazer ___ conta?
'Conta' is feminine.
Waiter: 'Desejam mais alguma coisa?' | You: 'Não, obrigado. ___________.'
This is the standard way to end the meal.
Context: You are leaving a job in Brazil.
In Brazil, this idiom means to resign.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but adding 'por favor' makes it much more polite and is the standard for learners.
In a restaurant, yes. In a Brazilian office, it means you are quitting your job.
Related Phrases
Pagar a conta
builds onTo pay the bill
Dividir a conta
similarTo split the bill
A conta é por minha conta
specialized formThe bill is on me
