Food & drinkBeginner
Paying the check in English (beginner)
Beginner English for paying the check. Key line: “Could I have the check, please?”
Full script
Lin
Could I have the check, please?
Them
Sure. Still room for dessert?
Lin
No, thanks. My stomach says stop.
Them
One check today?
Lin
Yes, one check, please. My wallet looks scared.
Them
No problem. I can take your card here.
Lin
Thanks. My wallet can relax now.
Them
Good. It survived dinner this time.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
ask for the bill
✓ Could I have the check, please?Use this to ask for the bill
Natural and polite in a restaurant
say no
✓ No, thanks.Polite way to refuse
Use for food or drinks
one bill
✓ One check, please.Ask for one bill for everyone
Use when paying together
pay by card
✓ I can take your card here.Staff can process payment here
take your card = accept card payment
Quick answers
ask for the bill: what to say in English
Say “Could I have the check, please?” — use this to ask for the bill. Natural and polite in a restaurant.
say no: what to say in English
Say “No, thanks.” — polite way to refuse. Use for food or drinks.
one bill: what to say in English
Say “One check, please.” — ask for one bill for everyone. Use when paying together.
pay by card: what to say in English
Say “I can take your card here.” — staff can process payment here. take your card = accept card payment.