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Italian Phrase

Mi puoi spiegare il conto?

/mi ˈpwɔi speɲˈɡa.re il ˈkɔn.to/
Meaning"Can you explain the bill to me?"
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Meaning

Literally, ‘Can you explain the bill to me?’, this phrase is used when you want the waiter (or anyone who presented a statement) to clarify the items, totals, or any charges on a bill.

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When to use

Use it in a restaurant, café, or any setting where a written statement (a receipt, invoice, or account) has been handed to you and you need a clearer breakdown. It’s also appropriate in informal business contexts when a client asks for a detailed explanation of a quotation.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Mipuoispiegareilconto?

1

Mi (indirect object pronoun)

‘Mi’ is the first‑person singular indirect object pronoun, meaning ‘to me’ or ‘for me’.

2

puoi (potere, 2nd person singular)

‘Puoi’ is the present indicative of ‘potere’ (to be able to) for ‘tu’, translating to ‘can you’.

3

spiegare (infinitive)

The infinitive verb ‘spiegare’ means ‘to explain’; after ‘puoi’ it stays in the infinitive.

4

il (definite article)

‘Il’ is the masculine singular definite article, used here with the noun ‘conto’.

5

conto (noun)

‘Conto’ can mean ‘bill’ (in a restaurant) or ‘account’; context decides the meaning.

6

Question mark

The sentence ends with a question mark, signalling a request for information.

🗨In Conversation

A

Mi puoi spiegare il conto?

Can you explain the bill to me?

Certo, il totale è cinquanta euro, di cui dieci euro di vino e il resto di antipasti e primi.

Sure, the total is fifty euros, ten of which are for wine and the rest for appetizers and first courses.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Mi puoi spiegare il conto

    Missing the question mark makes it sound like a statement rather than a request.

  • Mi può spiegare il conto?

    ‘Può’ is the formal 3rd‑person form; unless you’re speaking to a stranger in a formal setting, use ‘puoi’ (tu) or ‘può’ (Lei) consistently.

  • Mi spiegare il conto?

    The auxiliary ‘puoi’ is required; without it the sentence is ungrammatical.

↔Alternatives

  • Puoi spiegarmi il conto?

    Can you explain the bill to me?

  • Mi può spiegare il conto?

    Can you (formal) explain the bill to me?

  • Potrebbe spiegarmi il conto?

    Could you (more politely) explain the bill to me?

  • Mi spieghi il conto?

    Could you explain the bill to me?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy it’s more common to simply ask for the bill with “Il conto, per favore.” If the bill looks confusing, asking “Mi può spiegare il conto?” is perfectly polite. Remember that tipping is not obligatory; a small extra (5‑10 %) is appreciated for good service, but it’s usually left on the table rather than added to the printed total.