Italian for Restaurants: Asking for the Bill and Splitting It
Learn to request the bill and ask to split it in an Italian restaurant using polite phrases like 'Il conto, per favore' and 'Possiamo dividere?'.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
In an Italian restaurant, when you're ready to pay, you need to ask for the bill. Unlike in some countries, the bill is not brought automatically; you must request it. This lesson teaches you how to ask for the bill politely and how to ask if you can split it among friends. You'll learn the key phrases and how to use them naturally.
By the end, you can…
- politely ask for the bill in an Italian restaurant.
- ask if it's possible to split the bill among multiple people.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Il conto, per favore.
The bill, please.
eel KOHN-toh, pehr fah-VOH-reh
Standard polite way to request the bill. You can also catch the waiter's eye and mime signing a bill.
Potremmo avere il conto, per favore?
Could we have the bill, please?
poh-TREHM-moh ah-VEH-reh eel KOHN-toh, pehr fah-VOH-reh
Polite and slightly more formal, using the conditional 'potremmo' (we could). Suitable in any restaurant.
Possiamo dividere?
Can we split it?
pos-SYAH-moh dee-VEE-deh-reh
Direct way to ask if you can split the bill. Common among friends.
Possiamo pagare separatamente?
Can we pay separately?
pos-SYAH-moh pah-GAH-reh seh-pah-rah-tah-MEN-teh
Asks if each person can pay their own share. Common in casual settings.
Facciamo alla romana?
Shall we split the bill evenly?
faht-CHAH-moh AHL-lah roh-MAH-nah
Idiomatic expression meaning to split the bill equally among everyone. Used informally.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask for something politely, use 'Potremmo avere...?' (Could we have...?) or 'Possiamo avere...?' (Can we have...?). For example, 'Potremmo avere il conto?' (Could we have the bill?) or 'Possiamo avere due conti separati?' (Can we have two separate bills?). The verb 'potere' (can) is used to ask permission. 'Potremmo' is conditional, making it more polite.
When to use it
Use 'Il conto, per favore' when you catch the waiter's attention. If you want to split the bill, ask 'Possiamo dividere?' or 'Possiamo pagare separatamente?'. In informal settings with friends, 'Facciamo alla romana?' is friendly and means everyone pays an equal share. Note that in some restaurants, splitting may not be allowed, so it's best to ask politely.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusi, potremmo avere il conto, per favore?
Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?SKOO-zee, poh-TREHM-moh ah-VEH-reh eel KOHN-toh, pehr fah-VOH-rehCertamente. Ecco il conto.
Certainly. Here is the bill.chehr-tah-MEN-teh. EHK-koh eel KOHN-tohGrazie. Possiamo dividerlo?
Thank you. Can we split it?GRAH-tsyeh. pos-SYAH-moh dee-VEHR-lohSì, certo. Quante persone siete?
Yes, of course. How many people are you?see, CHEHR-toh. KWAHN-teh pehr-SOH-neh SYEH-tehA little context goes a long way
In Italy, it's common to ask for the bill when you're ready to leave; it's not considered rude. Splitting the bill is generally accepted, but some restaurants may prefer a single payment. The phrase 'alla romana' specifically means splitting equally, while 'separatamente' means each pays for what they ordered. Tipping is optional, as servizio is often included.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Posso dividere?' instead of 'Possiamo dividere?' when you are part of a group.
Try this instead: 'Posso' means 'I can', so it would imply you alone want to split. For a group, use 'Possiamo' (we can). Example: 'Possiamo dividere il conto?' (Can we split the bill?)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely ask for the bill in an Italian restaurant?
Show a sample answer
Potremmo avere il conto, per favore?
This uses the polite conditional 'potremmo' and 'per favore'. 'Il conto, per favore' is also correct but less formal.
2What phrase would you use to ask if you can split the bill evenly among friends?
Show a sample answer
Facciamo alla romana?
This idiomatic expression means to split the bill equally. 'Possiamo dividere?' is also correct but less specific about equal sharing.
3How do you ask if you can pay separately?
Show a sample answer
Possiamo pagare separatamente?
This directly asks if each person can pay their own portion. 'Possiamo avere conti separati?' is another valid way.
Remember to ask for the bill with 'Il conto, per favore' and to split it, use 'Possiamo dividere?' or 'Facciamo alla romana?' for equal sharing.
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