In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask for the bill in any restaurant.
- Short for 'buying the bill' and used across all of China.
- Can be used casually or made polite by adding 'please'.
Meaning
This is the universal way to ask for the bill at a restaurant. It is short, snappy, and lets the server know you are ready to settle up and head out.
Key Examples
3 of 6Finishing a meal at a local noodle shop
老板，买单！
Boss, check please!
At a nice cafe with a waiter
你好，请买单。
Hello, please bring the check.
A formal business lunch
服务员，我们要买单。
Waiter, we would like to pay the bill.
Cultural Background
Paying the bill is a social status marker. The host usually pays. Cantonese influence is strong; '买单' is very common in local tea houses.
Be polite
Always add '谢谢' (thank you) after saying '买单'.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to ask for the bill in any restaurant.
- Short for 'buying the bill' and used across all of China.
- Can be used casually or made polite by adding 'please'.
What It Means
买单 (mǎidān) literally translates to 'buying the list.' It is the most common way to say 'Check, please!' in Mandarin. You are telling the staff you are ready to pay. It is direct and efficient. No one will be offended by its brevity.
How To Use It
Simply raise your hand slightly to catch the server's eye. Say 买单！ with a friendly smile. In many casual Chinese spots, you can shout it out. Don't be shy! You can also add 请 (qǐng) at the beginning to be extra polite. 请买单 sounds a bit more polished.
When To Use It
Use it at any restaurant, cafe, or bar. It works perfectly when you are finishing your noodles. It is great when you are in a rush to catch a movie. You can even use it when texting a friend to say you'll treat them. 'Tonight, I 买单!' is a sentence that makes everyone happy.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very high-end, fine-dining establishments. In those places, a quieter approach is better. Don't use it if you are a guest at someone's home. That would be quite awkward! Also, don't scream it across a silent, romantic candlelit room. Read the room first.
Cultural Background
The phrase actually originated from Cantonese 埋单 (maai daan). Over time, the 'mai' sound shifted to the Mandarin word for 'buy.' In Chinese culture, people often fight over who gets to 买单. It is a sign of generosity and respect. Being the one to 买单 can be a major 'power move' among friends.
Common Variations
You might hear 结账 (jiézhàng) in northern China or more formal settings. It means 'settle the account.' Some people just make a 'writing' gesture in the air. If you want to be very casual, just say 老板，买单！ (Boss, check!). It makes you sound like a local regular.
Usage Notes
While `买单` is the most popular term, it's technically informal. In very formal business banquets, stick to `结账` to sound more sophisticated.
Be polite
Always add '谢谢' (thank you) after saying '买单'.
Examples
6老板，买单！
Boss, check please!
Adding 'Boss' is a friendly way to address small shop owners.
你好，请买单。
Hello, please bring the check.
Adding 'please' makes it sound more polite and standard.
服务员，我们要买单。
Waiter, we would like to pay the bill.
Using 'we' makes the request feel more collective and formal.
别担心，今天我买单！
Don't worry, I'm paying today!
This is a very generous and common thing to say to friends.
你吃了这么多，你买单吧！
You ate so much, you should pay the bill!
A common playful jab among close friends.
不，让我来买单！
No, let me pay!
The classic 'bill-fighting' phrase used in social settings.
Test Yourself
What is the best way to ask for the bill?
Which phrase is most natural?
买单 is the standard expression.
Complete the sentence.
服务员，______！
You ask the waiter to pay the bill.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesWhich phrase is most natural?
买单 is the standard expression.
服务员，______！
You ask the waiter to pay the bill.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but '结账' is more common for retail.
Related Phrases
结账
synonymSettle the account
AA制
contrastSplit the bill
