The Big Idea
Ask for the bill or check, then add any details about separate payments or a receipt. Simple questions are enough.
Finishing a meal in English is usually easy.
You just need to know how to ask for the bill, how to pay, and what to say if you want to split it.
Bill or check?
Both are correct.
In Canada and the UK, you will often hear:
“Could we get the bill, please?”
In the United States, you will often hear:
“Can we get the check, please?”
Either way, the meaning is the same.
Ask to pay separately
- “Could we pay separately?”
- “Can we split the bill?”
- “Can we do separate checks?”
Ask about payment
- “Can I pay by card?”
- “Do you take cash?”
- “Can I tap?”
Ask about the tip
- “Is the tip included?”
- “Is gratuity included?”
Ask for a receipt
- “Can I get a receipt?”
- “Could I have the receipt, please?”
Ask for a to-go box
- “Can we also get a to-go box?”
- “Could I get a box for this, please?”
Keep it simple
You do not need complicated English.
“Could we get the bill, please?”
That is enough to start.
Stop memorizing English. Start using it.
Do you say bill, check, or something else where you live?
Ten phrases to practise
- Could we get the bill, please?
- Can I pay by card?
- Can we pay separately?
- Can you split it two ways?
- I’ll pay for everyone.
- Is service included?
- Is the tip included?
- Can I add the tip on the card?
- Did the payment go through?
- Can I get a receipt?
Use the Four Finger Rule
BILL → PAYMENT → SPLIT / TIP → CONFIRM
Paying separately and splitting a bill equally are different requests. Say “Can we pay separately?” for separate payments; say “Can you split it two ways?” when you mean two equal shares. Ask how the restaurant can handle it.
Put it together
“Could we get the bill, please? Can we pay separately? Is service included?”
Your next conversation
Practise paying alone, dividing the total equally, and asking each person to pay for their own order.
THE FOUR FINGER RULE
Stop memorizing English.
Start using it.
52 weeks. 52 real-world missions.
US$52 once.
Keep Practising
Restaurant English: How to Order Without Sounding Like a Textbook
AI-assisted illustrations used for learning.
