A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "The check please" in Spanish
Learn how to ask for the bill in Spanish with 'La cuenta, por favor,' including pronunciation, cultural tips, and common alternatives.
La cuenta, por favor.
lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-VORneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase at the end of a meal when you are ready to pay and leave the restaurant. It is appropriate whether you are signaling a waiter from across the room or speaking directly to them at the table. You can also use it at cafes or bars when you are done with your consumption.
Alternatives
- ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?better when you want to form a complete, slightly more polite question
- ¿Nos cobras, por favor?better in casual settings like a local diner or bar when addressing a younger waiter
- ¿Cuánto le debo?better at casual food stalls, food trucks, or small family-run markets
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'el cheque' instead of 'la cuenta'
English speakers often translate 'the check' literally, but 'el cheque' only refers to a bank check, not a restaurant bill.
Mispronouncing the 'cu' in cuenta
Avoid saying 'kwehn-tah' with an English 'w' sound; keep the 'u' tight and quick right after the 'c'.
A small cultural note
In most Spanish-speaking countries, waitstaff will rarely bring the bill automatically to avoid rushing you; you will almost always need to actively ask for it.
Frequently asked
How do you signal for the bill in Spanish without speaking?
You can catch the server's eye and make a subtle writing motion in the air with your hand as if signing a paper. This universal gesture is widely understood and polite across Latin America.
Is it rude to yell la cuenta por favor across a restaurant?
Yes, calling out loudly can be seen as demanding or impatient in many cultures. It is much better to make eye contact or raise your hand slightly to invite the server over before speaking.
Do you say la cuenta or el bill in Mexico?
You should always use 'la cuenta' as 'el bill' is an anglicism that is not standard Spanish. Even near the US border, 'la cuenta' remains the proper and universally accepted term.
