How to ask for the bill in French restaurants

Knowing how to ask for the bill in French is an essential skill for dining out in French-speaking countries. This guide will cover various ways to request the check, from casual to formal situations.

Common Phrases to Ask for the Bill

Here are eight common ways to ask for the bill in French:

1. "L'addition, s'il vous plaît." (The bill, please.)
2. "Je peux avoir l'addition ?" (Can I have the bill?)
3. "On pourrait avoir la note ?" (Could we have the check?)
4. "Est-ce qu'on pourrait régler ?" (Could we pay?)
5. "On voudrait payer." (We'd like to pay.)
6. "C'est pour régler." (It's to settle up.)
7. "Pourrions-nous avoir la facture ?" (Could we have the invoice?)
8. "On aimerait clôturer le compte." (We'd like to close the account.)

Formal vs. Informal Situations

In more formal settings or high-end restaurants, opt for phrases like:

• "Pourrions-nous avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît ?"
• "Serait-il possible d'avoir la note ?"

For casual situations or cafés, you can use:

• "L'addition, s'il vous plaît."
• "On peut payer ?"

Additional Useful Vocabulary

• L'addition (f) = the bill
• La note (f) = the check
• Payer = to pay
• Régler = to settle (the bill)
• Le serveur / La serveuse = waiter / waitress
• La carte bancaire = credit card
• En espèces = in cash

Cultural Tips

• In France, it's considered polite to wait for the waiter to approach your table before asking for the bill.
• Tipping is not obligatory in France as service is usually included in the price.
• If you're in a hurry, it's acceptable to signal to the waiter by miming writing in the air.

Examples in Context

1. At a café: "Excusez-moi, l'addition s'il vous plaît !" (Excuse me, the bill please!)
2. In a restaurant: "Monsieur, pourrions-nous avoir la note quand vous aurez un moment ?" (Sir, could we have the check when you have a moment?)
3. With friends: "On demande l'addition ?" (Shall we ask for the bill?)
4. In a bar: "On peut régler pour les boissons ?" (Can we pay for the drinks?)

Remember, politeness is key in French culture. Always use "s'il vous plaît" (please) and maintain a courteous tone when asking for the bill.

Practice Exercise

Try to match these English phrases with their French equivalents:

1. Can we pay?
2. The bill, please.
3. Could we have the check?
4. We'd like to settle up.

a. L'addition, s'il vous plaît. b. On peut payer ? c. On voudrait régler. d. On pourrait avoir la note ?

(Answers: 1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c)

By mastering these phrases, you'll be well-equipped to handle the end of your dining experiences in French-speaking countries with confidence and politeness.