Eng 
日本語 
Dining at Japanese restaurants can be a delightful experience, from savoring delicious sushi to enjoying a hot bowl of ramen. However, at the end of the meal, you may find yourself wondering how to ask for the bill. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the essential phrases, provide a vocabulary table, and quiz your knowledge to ensure you can handle this common dining scenario like a pro.
Asking for the Bill
| Japanese Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning | Formality Level |
| お愛想 | Oaiso | Please bring me the bill | Very Informal |
| お会計お願いします | Okaikei onegaishimasu | Please check out (the bill) | Polite |
お愛想 (Oaiso)
In certain informal and relaxed dining situations in Japan, you may come across the phrase “お愛想” (Oaiso). While this phrase is very informal, it serves a particular purpose. “お愛想” literally means “Please bring me the bill.” It’s an extremely casual way of asking for the bill and is typically used by regulars at a restaurant or bar. When you’ve built a friendly and familiar relationship with the establishment and the staff, using “お愛想” can signifies your comfort and ease in that setting.This phrase might be employed in local neighborhood spots where everybody knows each other, and it signifies a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It’s important to note that “お愛想” may not be suitable in more formal or unfamiliar dining settings, so it’s best used in places where you’re well-acquainted with the staff and the environment.
お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu)
When you’re ready to settle the tab, use the phrase “お会計お願いします” (Okaikei onegaishimasu), which translates to “Please bring the bill.” It’s a polite way to signal to your server that you’re ready to conclude your meal and take care of the financial aspect. To make this request, catch your server’s attention, and it’s a good practice to establish eye contact to ensure your message is well-received.
Splitting the Bill
| Japanese Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning | Formality Level |
| 別々でお願いします | Betsubetsu de onegaishimasu | Separately, please | Polite |
| 割り勘にしますか | Warikan ni shimasu ka | Shall we split the bill? | Casual |
| 割り勘にしましょう | Warikan ni shimashou | Let’s split the bill | Casual |
| 割り勘でいいですか | Warikan de ii desu ka | Is it okay to split the bill? | Polite |
| 割り勘してくださいませんか | Warikan shite kudasaimasen ka | Would you please split the bill? | Very Polite/Formal |
別々でお願いします (Betsu betsu de onegaishimasu)
Splitting the bill in Japanese is straightforward and accommodating, especially when dining with friends or colleagues. You can employ phrases like “別々でお願いします” (Betsu betsu de onegaishimasu) to the server, which means “Separately, please.” This expression comes in handy when you and your fellow diners prefer to receive individual bills, ensuring everyone pays for their own portion of the meal.
割り勘にしますか (Warikan ni shimasu ka)
When dining with friends or colleagues at a Japanese restaurant, the topic of splitting the bill often arises. To propose this in a casual and friendly manner, you can use the phrase “割り勘にしますか” (Warikan ni shimasu ka), which translates to “Shall we split the bill?”
This phrase is ideal for informal settings, such as hanging out with friends after work or enjoying a casual meal. It’s a relaxed and straightforward way to suggest sharing the expenses, ensuring that everyone pays their fair share.
割り勘にしましょう (Warikan ni shimashou)
If you want to take a slightly more assertive approach to suggest splitting the bill, you can use the phrase “割り勘にしましょう” (Warikan ni shimashou). This means “Let’s split the bill.”
This phrase conveys your readiness to divide the expenses and is a bit more proactive in proposing the idea. It’s well-suited for situations where you’re comfortable with your dining companions and can openly discuss the financial aspects of the meal.
割り勘でいいですか (Warikan de ii desu ka)
In more formal or polite settings, or when you’d like to inquire about splitting the bill in a considerate manner, the phrase “割り勘でいいですか” (Warikan de ii desu ka) comes in handy. This means “Is it okay to split the bill?”
By using this phrase, you’re seeking approval and showing respect for your fellow diners’ preferences. It allows for a courteous discussion about how the bill will be divided, ensuring that everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.
割り勘してくださいませんか (Warikan shite kudasaimasen ka)
When it comes to addressing the bill-splitting in the most polite and formal way, the phrase “割り勘してくださいませんか” (Warikan shite kudasaimasen ka) is the perfect choice. This phrase translates to “Would you please split the bill?”
This exceptionally courteous expression conveys your utmost respect for your dining companions and the establishment. It’s suitable for formal dining settings or occasions when you want to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the financial arrangement. By using this phrase, you’re not just suggesting a division of expenses; you’re making a polite request that reflects your consideration and appreciation for those you’re dining with.
These phrases give you a range of options to propose splitting the bill, catering to the formality and atmosphere of your dining experience. Whether you’re out with friends for a casual evening or in a more formal setting, you can navigate the financial aspects of your meal with ease and consideration.
Check Out This Video!
Quiz Questions
Now, let’s put your knowledge to the test:
1. How do you ask for the bill in Japanese?
a) お待ちしております (Omachi shite orimasu)
b) お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu)
c) どうもありがとう (Doumo arigatou)
2. You and your friend want separate bills. What phrase should you use?
a) お待ちしております (Omachi shite orimasu)
b) お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu)
c) 別々にお願いします (Betsu betsu de onegaishimasu)
3. What does the phrase “お会計お願いします” (Okaikei onegaishimasu) mean in Japanese?
a) Please split the bill.
b) Please bring the bill.
c) Please bring the cash.
4. How would you politely ask for the bill in Japanese at a restaurant?
a) お愛想 (Oaiso)
b) お勘定お願いします (Okanjō onegaishimasu)
c) 割り勘にしますか (Warikan ni shimasu ka)
5. When is it appropriate to use the phrase “お愛想” (Oaiso) to ask for the bill in a Japanese restaurant?
a) In formal dining settings
b) When dining with friends
c) In informal and relaxed dining situations
6. Which phrase is suitable for suggesting splitting the bill in a casual and friendly manner?
a) 割り勘にしましょう (Warikan ni shimashou)
b) 割り勘してくださいませんか (Warikan shite kudasaimasen ka)
c) お会計お願いします (O-kaikei onegaishimasu)
7. In more formal or polite settings, which phrase can you use to inquire about splitting the bill in a considerate manner?
a) 割り勘してくださいませんか (Warikan shite kudasaimasen ka)
b) 別々でお願いします (Betsubetsu de onegaishimasu)
c) 割り勘にしますか (Warikan ni shimasu ka)
8. When dining with friends and wanting to propose splitting the bill assertively, which phrase is appropriate?
a) 割り勘にしましょう (Warikan ni shimashou)
b) 割り勘してくださいませんか (Warikan shite kudasaimasen ka)
c) お勘定お願いします (Okanjō onegaishimasu)
Here are the answers to the quiz:
1. b) お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu)
2. c) 別々にお願いします (Betsu betsu de onegaishimasu)
3. b) Please bring the bill.
4. b) 別々でお願いします
5. c) In informal and relaxed dining situations
6. a) 割り勘にしましょう (Warikan ni shimashou)
7. a) 割り勘してくださいませんか (Warikan shite kudasaimasen ka)
8. a) 割り勘にしましょう (Warikan ni shimashou)
We hope this guide helps you navigate the Japanese dining experience with ease. Practice these phrases, and you’ll be able to ask for the bill like a pro during your next restaurant visit in Japan.
Here’s a link to our other post about payment methods in Japan.
