Food & drinkAdvanced
Paying the check in English (advanced)
Advanced English for paying the check. Key line: “Whenever you get a chance, could we settle up?”
Full script
Lin
Whenever you get a chance, could we settle up?
Them
Sure thing—are you all set, or do you need a minute?
Lin
We're all set—if I wait longer, I'll start rationalizing dessert.
Them
Fair enough. Did you want to split it, or keep it together?
Lin
Let's keep it together; my willpower is barely hanging on.
Them
Got it. I can bring the reader over, or you can pay here.
Lin
I'll pay here, thanks—before that cake starts making eye contact.
Them
Smart call—the cake's persistent. It changes minds at the last second.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
polite timing
✓ Whenever you get a chanceUse when they are free
Polite opener; not pushy
paying
✓ settle upTo pay the bill
More natural than just pay
ready
✓ all setready; nothing else
Use when you've decided or are ready
one bill
✓ keep it togetherone bill
Not “stay calm” here
Quick answers
polite timing: what to say in English
Say “Whenever you get a chance” — use when they are free. Polite opener; not pushy.
paying: what to say in English
Say “settle up” — to pay the bill. More natural than just pay.
ready: what to say in English
Say “all set” — ready; nothing else. Use when you've decided or are ready.
one bill: what to say in English
Say “keep it together” — one bill. Not “stay calm” here.