Portuguese Phrase
A conta, por favor.
Meaning
Literally ‘The check, please.’ It is the most common way to ask a waiter or server to bring the bill after you have finished your meal.
When to use
Use this phrase in restaurants, cafés, or any place where you are served food and need the total amount to pay. It works in both formal and informal settings, but you can add a smile or a slight nod to convey extra politeness.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aconta,porfavor.
Definite article (A)
A is the feminine singular definite article, used because 'conta' is a feminine noun.
Noun gender (conta)
‘Conta’ (bill/check) is feminine, so it takes the article ‘a’.
Polite formula (por favor)
‘Por favor’ literally means ‘for favor’ and is the standard way to make a request sound courteous.
🗨In Conversation
A conta, por favor.
The check, please.
Claro, já trago.
Sure, I’ll bring it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
O conta, por favor.
‘Conta’ is feminine, so the article must be ‘a’, not the masculine ‘o’.
A conta.
Leaving out ‘por favor’ makes the request sound abrupt; always include it unless you’re in a very informal setting.
A conta, por favor?
Do not confuse ‘conta’ (bill) with ‘conta’ (account) in other contexts; the phrase only works for a restaurant bill.
↔Alternatives
Pode trazer a conta, por favor?
Could you bring the check, please?
A conta, por gentileza.
The check, kindly.
Traga a conta, por favor.
Bring the check, please.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it’s common for the waiter to bring the check only when you ask for it. If you wave your hand slightly or say ‘A conta, por favor’, the staff will understand you’re ready to pay. In more upscale restaurants, you might also hear ‘A conta, quando puder’ (the check whenever you can) as a softer request.