Spanish for Restaurants
How to Ask for the Bill in Spanish
The meal is finished, but there is still a small conversation to have. Learn to request the bill and ask about payment without assuming how the restaurant handles cards or service.
Useful Spanish phrases
Read each phrase with its English meaning. Then cover the translation and picture when you would use it.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| La cuenta, por favor. | The bill, please. |
| ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | Can I pay by card? |
| ¿Está incluido el servicio? | Is service included? |
| Pagamos por separado. | We are paying separately. |
| Quédese con el cambio. | Keep the change. |
| Muchas gracias, todo estuvo muy rico. | Thank you very much, everything was delicious. |
Like learning through everyday situations? See how HeyHola brings them into practice.
Separate the bill request from the payment question
The first phrase asks for the bill. The next asks whether you can pay by card. Keeping these as separate steps helps you understand what you are requesting and gives the server room to answer. The example shows two diners discussing how to pay; it does not include a guarantee that the restaurant accepts their plan.
Check the details before paying
The table includes a question about included service and a phrase about paying separately. Use the question when you need information rather than assuming local practice. The keep-the-change phrase belongs to a cash transaction and should only be used when that is your intention.
Try a short conversation
An illustrative practice scene using the phrases above. Pauses leave room for replies that may vary in a real conversation.
- Ana
- La cuenta, por favor.The bill, please.
- Carlos, another diner
- Pagamos por separado.We are paying separately.
- Ana
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?Can I pay by card?
A common mistake to avoid
Do not use the keep-the-change phrase when you expect change back. Likewise, asking whether service is included does not tell you the answer; listen for the response and check the bill.
A note for real life
Service charges, tipping customs, card acceptance, and split-payment policies vary. These phrases are language tools, not financial or tipping rules for every destination.
PICO’S PRACTICE TIP
Your turn
Ask for the bill, then choose the question about card payment. Practice a separate cash situation and identify which phrase you would avoid if you wanted your change.
Phrase source: HeyHola’s authored app lessons.