24 Essential Japanese Phrases to Ask for the Bill

Heading to a restaurant in Japan and enjoying a fantastic meal is always exciting.

But when it’s time to ask for the bill, you might find yourself hesitating or unsure of what to say. Don’t worry—it happens to everyone!

Knowing how to politely and naturally request the check can make your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable.

This list covers 24 essential Japanese phrases to ask for the bill, with easy-to-understand pronunciation guides and tips to help you feel confident.

Whether you’re a beginner or just want to sound more natural, these phrases will come in handy on your next outing in Japan.

Ready to brush up on your Japanese and impress your server? Let’s dive in!

Getting Comfortable with Japanese Bill-Request Phrases

Before we jump into the list, it’s helpful to understand the basics of politeness and casualness in Japanese.

Japanese language has different levels of formality, and knowing which phrase fits the situation will make your request feel natural and respectful.

Simple phrases can work wonders, but sometimes you want to be extra polite or super casual depending on your relationship with the staff and the setting.

If you’re looking for a solid foundation, a great beginner phrasebook can help you build confidence and learn phrases in context.

Starting simple and practicing little by little will get you ready for any dining situation.

Remember, the goal is to communicate clearly and politely, and a little practice goes a long way.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. お会計お願いします (O-kaikei onegaishimasu) – oh-kai-kay oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

This is the most common and polite way to ask for the bill in Japan.

“お会計” (O-kaikei) means “bill” or “check,” and “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) means “please.” Put together, it’s a respectful “Bill, please.”

It works well in almost any restaurant setting and is easy to remember.

Using this phrase will make you sound polite without being overly formal.

You might also hear staff respond with “少々お待ちください” (shoushou omachi kudasai) meaning “Please wait a moment.”

Keep this phrase handy—it’s your go-to for casual dining!

2. お勘定お願いします (O-kanjou onegaishimasu) – oh-kahn-joh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

“お勘定” (O-kanjou) is another way to say “bill” or “check,” often used interchangeably with お会計.

Pairing it with “お願いします” (onegaishimasu) makes it a polite request.

This phrase is just as useful and common as お会計お願いします.

One easy way to practice is to repeat both phrases aloud and notice their slight pronunciation differences.

Avoid mixing up the two words, but don’t worry too much—servers understand both well.

Try using this if you want to switch it up from お会計お願いします.

3. 会計お願いします (Kaikei onegaishimasu) – kai-kay oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

This is a shortened form of お会計お願いします, dropping the honorific “お.”

It’s still polite but slightly more casual, perfect for casual cafes or small restaurants.

It’s easy to remember because it’s just “会計” plus “お願いします.”

Using this phrase shows you know a bit of Japanese etiquette but keeps it simple.

Servers will respond the same as with お会計お願いします.

Great phrase to try when you feel a little more comfortable speaking!

4. チェックお願いします (Chekku onegaishimasu) – chek-koo oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

“チェック” (Chekku) is the loanword from English “check,” often used by young people or in casual settings.

Adding “お願いします” keeps it polite but modern.

This phrase is super easy for English speakers to remember.

Be careful not to use it in very formal or traditional restaurants where it might sound too casual.

Example: At a casual café, you can simply say “チェックお願いします” to get the bill.

It’s a fun phrase to add to your list, especially if you want to sound natural and relaxed.

5. お会計をお願いします (O-kaikei wo onegaishimasu) – oh-kai-kay woh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

This phrase adds the particle “を” (wo), which marks the object of the sentence.

It’s a slightly more grammatically complete version of お会計お願いします.

Using particles properly helps you sound more fluent and respectful.

It’s perfect for those aiming to speak Japanese clearly and politely.

Don’t worry if you mix it up with the simpler form; both are understood well.

Try practicing this one to build your sentence structure skills alongside everyday phrases.

6. お勘定をお願いします (O-kanjou wo onegaishimasu) – oh-kahn-joh woh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

Similar to #5 but with お勘定 instead of お会計.

It uses the object particle “を” for correct grammar.

This phrase is a bit more formal and helps you sound polished.

Avoid dropping particles in formal settings to maintain politeness.

Example: When dining in a ryokan or upscale restaurant, this phrase fits well.

Great for practicing respectful Japanese with precise grammar.

7. そろそろお会計をお願いします (Sorosoro o-kaikei wo onegaishimasu) – soh-roh-soh-roh oh-kai-kay woh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas

“そろそろ” (Sorosoro) means “soon” or “it’s about time.”

Adding it before your request gently signals you’re ready to pay without sounding abrupt.

This makes your request feel polite and considerate.

Avoid using this phrase too early as it implies you’re wrapping up.

Example: After finishing your meal, say “そろそろお会計をお願いします” to politely ask for the bill.

It’s a nice phrase for a smooth dining experience and shows awareness of timing.

8. お会計、いいですか？ (O-kaikei, ii desu ka?) – oh-kai-kay ee dess kah?

This literally means “Is the bill okay?” or “Can I have the bill?”

It’s a soft and polite way to check if it’s okay to get the bill now.

Easy to remember because “いいですか” means “Is it okay?”

Don’t confuse it with asking permission too much; it’s just a polite prompt.

Example: When you’re ready but want to be gentle, say “お会計、いいですか？”

Great for beginners who want to sound polite and caring.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. お勘定をお願い申し上げます (O-kanjou wo onegai moushiagemasu) – oh-kahn-joh woh oh-neh-gai moh-sheh-ah-geh-mah-su

This is a very polite and formal way to ask for the bill.

“お願い申し上げます” (onegai moushiagemasu) is a humble and respectful way of saying “please.”

Use this in high-end restaurants or formal events.

It’s more complex but shows deep respect.

Don’t use it casually; it may sound odd in informal settings.

Perfect for impressing business partners or formal dinners.

10. お会計をお願い致します (O-kaikei wo onegai itashimasu) – oh-kai-kay woh oh-neh-gai ee-tah-shee-mas

“お願い致します” (onegai itashimasu) is a formal, humble form of “please.”

This phrase is polite and suitable for most formal occasions.

Easy to upgrade your casual requests by swapping “します” with “致します.”

Avoid mixing this with very casual language to keep consistency.

Example: In a formal meeting lunch, say “お会計をお願い致します.”

It’s a neat way to sound respectful without being over the top.

11. お勘定をお願い申し上げます (O-kanjou wo onegai moushiagemasu) – oh-kahn-joh woh oh-neh-gai moh-sheh-ah-geh-mah-su

This is the same phrase as #9 but with お勘定 instead of お会計.

It’s equally formal and shows humility and respect.

Useful in business or ceremonial dining situations.

Be mindful to maintain polite tone throughout the conversation.

Example: Use this phrase when you want to be very courteous and professional.

It’s a great phrase to keep in your formal Japanese toolkit.

12. お会計の方をお願い致します (O-kaikei no hou wo onegai itashimasu) – oh-kai-kay noh hoh woh oh-neh-gai ee-tah-shee-mas

“の方” (no hou) means “the one” or “regarding,” adding a polite nuance.

This phrase is formal and very polite, often used in business contexts.

It’s a slightly longer form but sounds very respectful.

Don’t overuse it in casual dining to avoid sounding stiff.

Example: When dining with clients, this phrase is perfect to show professionalism.

Practice saying it smoothly to impress with your polite Japanese.

13. お勘定の方をお願い致します (O-kanjou no hou wo onegai itashimasu) – oh-kahn-joh noh hoh woh oh-neh-gai ee-tah-shee-mas

The same polite and formal structure as #12 but using お勘定.

This phrase fits well in very formal settings and business dinners.

Helps you sound humble and respectful.

Keep your tone soft and respectful when using such phrases.

Example: Use this phrase for formal banquets or upscale dining.

It reflects well on your manners and Japanese skills.

14. お会計のお願いをしてもよろしいでしょうか？ (O-kaikei no onegai wo shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?) – oh-kai-kay noh oh-neh-gai woh shee-teh moh yoh-roh-shee dess-hoh kah?

This is a very polite and indirect way to ask for the bill.

It literally means “Would it be alright if I make a request for the bill?”

Use this in very formal or delicate situations.

It’s a respectful way to ask without sounding pushy.

Don’t use this for casual dining; it might sound too formal.

Great for formal dinners or when you want to show extra politeness.

15. お勘定のお願いをしてもよろしいでしょうか？ (O-kanjou no onegai wo shite mo yoroshii deshou ka?) – oh-kahn-joh noh oh-neh-gai woh shee-teh moh yoh-roh-shee dess-hoh kah?

The same polite and indirect structure as #14 using お勘定.

Very appropriate for formal and respectful communication.

Helps you come across as considerate and patient.

Perfect for business dinners or traditional settings.

Practice the pronunciation to sound natural and polite.

A key phrase for advanced politeness in Japanese dining.

16. お会計をお願い申し上げます (O-kaikei wo onegai moushiagemasu) – oh-kai-kay woh oh-neh-gai moh-sheh-ah-geh-mah-su

This phrase combines the formal verb “申し上げます” to express humility.

It’s perfect for very formal occasions and shows deep respect.

Use it when you want to impress with your polite Japanese.

Avoid using it in casual settings to prevent sounding awkward.

Example: During a formal banquet, this phrase is highly recommended.

It’s a great phrase to demonstrate advanced language skills.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. お会計ちょうだい (O-kaikei choudai) – oh-kai-kay cho-die

“ちょうだい” (choudai) means “give me,” used casually among friends.

This phrase is very casual and should only be used with close friends or in informal places.

It’s easy to say and sounds very natural.

Avoid using it with strangers or in formal settings.

Example: At a casual bar with friends, you can say “お会計ちょうだい.”

This phrase adds a native touch to your Japanese but use it wisely!

18. お会計お願い (O-kaikei onegai) – oh-kai-kay oh-neh-gai

This is a shortened, casual way to say “お会計お願いします.”

Dropping “します” makes it more direct and informal.

Use it when you’re familiar with the staff or in casual spots.

Be cautious not to sound rude by using it in formal places.

Example: At a small café you visit often, “お会計お願い” works nicely.

It’s a simple phrase that native Japanese use among friends.

19. お勘定お願い (O-kanjou onegai) – oh-kahn-joh oh-neh-gai

This is the casual equivalent of お勘定お願いします.

It’s short, easy to say, and used among friends or regular customers.

Great for quick communication without too much formality.

Don’t use it with strangers or in formal restaurants.

Example: When hanging out with friends, “お勘定お願い” fits perfectly.

Keep this phrase handy for casual dining!

20. チェックちょうだい (Chekku choudai) – chek-koo cho-die

Combining the English loanword “チェック” with casual “ちょうだい.”

It’s very informal and friendly.

Only use it with close friends or in casual places.

Avoid using it in professional or formal settings.

Example: Saying “チェックちょうだい” at a casual hangout spot is perfectly fine.

This phrase is fun and shows your relaxed side in Japanese.

21. お会計いい？ (O-kaikei ii?) – oh-kai-kay ee?

This means “Is the bill okay?” in a very casual way.

It’s short, friendly, and commonly used among young people.

Great for casual dining with friends.

Don’t say this to strangers or in formal settings.

Example: After finishing food, “お会計いい？” works well with friends.

It’s an easy phrase to sound like a native speaker.

22. お会計お願いね (O-kaikei onegai ne) – oh-kai-kay oh-neh-gai neh

Adding “ね” (ne) softens the request and adds friendliness.

It’s casual and polite among friends or familiar staff.

Use it to sound approachable and warm.

Don’t use it in strictly formal situations.

Example: “お会計お願いね” is great when dining with buddies.

This phrase gives a nice casual vibe with warmth.

23. お会計して (O-kaikei shite) – oh-kai-kay shee-teh

“して” (shite) is the “do” form of the verb, making this a direct request to “do the bill.”

Very casual and should be used only with close friends or informal settings.

Sounds natural among native speakers but can be rude if used improperly.

Example: At a casual get-together, “お会計して” works fine.

Use caution with this phrase to avoid sounding abrupt.

It’s a quick, native-like expression for casual use.

24. お会計お願いしまーす (O-kaikei onegai shimaasu) – oh-kai-kay oh-neh-gai shee-mah-su

This is a playful and drawn-out version of “お願いします” (onegai shimasu).

It’s casual and friendly, often used in informal places.

Sounds cheerful and approachable.

Avoid using it in formal or serious situations.

Example: At a friendly café, “お会計お願いしまーす” adds a fun tone.

It’s a great phrase to sound natural and relaxed.

Concluding Thought

Learning to ask for the bill in Japanese with the right phrase can make your dining experiences in Japan more comfortable and enjoyable.

From polite and formal to casual and native-like, these 24 phrases cover all situations you might encounter.

Keep practicing, listen to native speakers, and soon you’ll be confidently asking for the bill like a local—happy dining!