Food & drinkBeginner
Paying the check in English
How to ask for the check at a restaurant, and pay separately.
The textbook way: people will understand, but it isn't what they say
Waiter! I want to pay!
What people actually say ↓Full script
Lin
Excuse me, could we get the check, please?
Them
Sure! Will that be together or separate?
Lin
Separate, please.
Them
No problem. Do you want a box for the rest?
Lin
Yes, please. That'd be great.
Them
Here you go. You're all set!
Lin
Thank you! Everything was delicious.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Finished eating, want to pay
✗ Waiter! I want to pay!
✓ Could we get the check, please?Polite way to ask for the bill
US: the check, UK: the bill
Server asks: Together or separate?
✓ Separate, please.Use this to pay separately
If paying together: Together, please.
If food is left, staff may ask
✓ Do you want a box?Asking about a takeout box
You can ask: Can I get a box for this?
Before you leave
✓ Everything was delicious.Say all the food was great
In the US, you usually tip too
Quick answers
Finished eating, want to pay: what to say in English
Say “Could we get the check, please?” — polite way to ask for the bill. US: the check, UK: the bill.
Server asks “Together or separate”: what to say in English
Say “Separate, please.” — use this to pay separately. If paying together: Together, please.
If food is left, staff may ask: what to say in English
Say “Do you want a box?” — asking about a takeout box. You can ask: Can I get a box for this?
Before you leave: what to say in English
Say “Everything was delicious.” — say all the food was great. In the US, you usually tip too.