I remember the first time I went to a restaurant in Japan in 2006. I was super nervous. He knew some numbers and how to say hello, but not much else. I was fine with going in and ordering, but I had no idea how to ask for the bill in Japanese. How am I leaving?!
Eating out in Japan can be stressful for a newcomer. Especially if you don't know wherestart with the language🇧🇷 To top it off, the Japanese language has weird translations into English at times. And add to this that some textbooks don't even seem to cover this topic!
Add that Japan can be tricky because it distrusts Americans. We've all had those moments when we've been overcharged at a restaurant. Well, what if the restaurant doesn't do itemized receipts and it's just a number? Welcome to Japan.
Contents
- 7 Ways to Ask for the Bill in Japanese
- 1. invoice, gender, gender
- 2. bill, okanjou, okanjyou
- 3. recibo, ryoushuushou
- 4. Check
- 5. amiable, friendly, gentle
- 6. gochisousamadeshita
- 7. Cross your fingers
- How to Apply for Separate Checks in Japanese or Become Dutch in Japanese
- The account itself: sometimes it's just a number
- Sometimes you don't need to ask for the bill in Japan!
- fix this for later
[Editor's Note: This post was originally published in August 2018 and has been updated for timeliness, accuracy, and completeness.]
7 Ways to Ask for the Bill in Japanese
First, you want to get the team's attention, so you can say "Sumimasen🇧🇷 And don't feel bad about having to almost yell across the room. You will notice this more and more during yourtrip to japan🇧🇷 Below you have a variety of options on how to request a Japanese invoice.
I suppose we have the same thing in English. Where you can order the check or invoice. Or "withdrawal". A bunch of different words that basically mean the same thing. However, with Japanese words, they are not translated (especially if you are lookingGoogle translator) exactly as you would expect.
1. invoice, gender, gender
Generally speaking, kaikei is used more like an "account" than an account. As in 会計士 or “kaikeishi”, which means accountant. The お, "o" added to the front of the word is a common occurrence and is just the honorific to make it more polite.
However, it always means something with an account (unlike the next option I'll talk about). I bet you'll hear おかいけい, "o-kai-kei" a lot more often.
This is what you want to write to memory. Just say "Okaikei onegaishimasu" for "the bill please".
2. bill, okanjou, okanjyou
"Okanjyou" (sounds like "o-khan-joe") also applies to billing at a restaurant, but I feel like I hear it 30% of the time. And this option? Okanjyou is how to pronounceA lot ofof Japanese words. Like emotion, or a soldier defending acastillo, or that you are aboard a warship, or the act of pouring water on a tombstone (a Buddhist custom).
Of course, most of them don't apply to your situation unless you're immersing yourself in the ninja restaurant atmosphere in Tokyo. But why risk it? I would go with option 1.
3. recibo, ryoushuushou
領収証, りょうしゅうしょう, ryoshusho (all long vowels) is very specific for claiming expenses, which is good if you need to do this for business while in Japan. But if you had to say it, they would understand. There is usually a blank line to fill in with the customer's name.
The other thing this could mean? A handwritten receipt that we will see a little later.
4. Check
More and more foreign words are becoming the Japanese vernacular. more reasons tolearn to read katakana🇧🇷 So if you just say "chekku" with a Japanese pronunciation, that will work too. I would still go for option 1.
5. amiable, friendly, gentle
You may have heard that there are varying degrees of politeness in the Japanese language. This word "oaiso" falls into the form teinei or "simple courtesy" which falls in the middle of the courtesy scale. Honestly, I'm terrible at politeness, but if you want to sound fancy, you can go with this option. I've heard of it, but it's rarer.
6. gochisousamadeshita
Those last two are more signs than ways to ask for the bill in Japanese. This one you should say when leaving a restaurant anyway, "gochisousamadeshita" which means "thank you for the food".
Say it with a faraway look and you'll get your bill that way too. And yes, this is a super tongue twister and it took me a long time to get itsay it like a local🇧🇷 Break down all of Japanese into consonants and vowels and you'll get there!
7. Cross your fingers
Okay, honestly, that seems a little rude to me, but in a crowded izakaya, it gets the job done. If you make eye contact with the team across the room, you can use your two index fingers to make an "X" and that also means "we're done".
How to Apply for Separate Checks in Japanese or Become Dutch in Japanese
What if you need to know how to order separate Japanese checks? Note that this is much easier with small groups and some venues don't allow you to do this (see next section). Formally, becoming Dutch as we say in English sometimes to split the bill can be said as 割り勘 (わりかん, warikan).
Personally, I prefer "betsu-betsu de" (別々で) as it's much more fun to say. (Okanjithe “々” character is used to repeat the previous character, it makes writing double words easier!).
Hand symbols work here too, when you say "betsu betsu" you separate your hands.
The account itself: sometimes it's just a number

Don't be surprised if you're in some hole in the wall,trying amazing japanese food,and when you get your "check" it's just a small piece of paper with an amount instead of an itemized receipt.
If you are concerned, please pay attention to the prices when ordering. But trust me, it's Japan, you're more likely to be chased down the street if you accidentally leave cash on the table (yes, no tips, and I've seen that happen for just a few yen!), than overcharged. your.
However, as I said. If youDoesneed something a little more formal for work registration purposes, use option 3 above.
Sometimes you don't need to ask for the bill in Japan!
not maximumramenrestaurants, you will pay in advance in avending machine🇧🇷 While in some sushi restaurants you will have to ask for the check in Japanese, there are somekaitenzushithat you play a game with your plates and bring your table marker to the front after the fact, as your table has already "counted" you out!
If you are in what Japan calls a "family restaurant", howDenny'sor even some izakaya, many times your running total will sit on the edge of your desk in a small landlord.

If I had to classify myself in the intimidating lease application, this would be it!
fix this for later
Here it is. More ways than you may need to order Japanese invoice. However, start listening to them when you are outside of Japan. What form of asking for the bill in Japanese do you hear the most?

Some posts you might like:
- Sumimasen - 7 Forms of Your New Favorite Simple Japanese Word
- 6 Unique Ways to Enjoy New Year's Eve in Japan: A Guide
- Japanese conversation classes in Yokosuka that you need to know
FAQs
How do you ask for the bill in Japanese? ›
“お会計お願いします”
How to ask for the bill in Japanese reddit? ›Then ask for the bill: Okaikei kudasai (お会計ください) – Bill please.
What are the 3 types of I love you in Japanese? ›- Aishiteru (愛してる) The Japanese ai shiteru (pronounced as aye-shee-teh-ru) expression is translated as I love you in Japanese. ...
- Daisuki Da (大好き だ) This is the most literal way to say that you really like someone. ...
- Suki Da (好き だ)
With a simple dou itashimashite, or “you're welcome” in Japanese! The dictionary and beginner Japanese phrase checklists would have you believe that's the only way to say “you're welcome” in Japanese.
How do you politely ask for a bill? ›The most polite ways are probably: "May we have the bill/check, please?" "Could we have the bill/check, please?" "Could we get the bill/check, please?
What are some Japanese loan words? ›- Typhoon. Japanese: 台風 (たいふう) ...
- Tsunami. Japanese: 津波 (つなみ) ...
- Karaoke. Japanese: カラオケ (からおけ) ...
- Sake. Japanese: 酒 (さけ) ...
- Manga. Japanese: 漫画 (まんが) ...
- 6. Anime. Japanese: アニメ ...
- Otaku. Japanese: お宅 (おたく) ...
- Emoji. Japanese: 絵文字 (えもじ)
You Can Learn Japanese to a Good Level After Just a Few Months. Chris Broad (Abroad in Japan) shows that it's possible to survive in Japanese with as little as 6 months of studying.
What is a famous Japanese quote? ›七転び八起き (nana korobi ya oki) English Translation: “Fall seven times, get up eight.” This is definitely one of the most famous Japanese proverbs. You've probably heard the English version: “If at first you don't succeed, try and try again.” It's another phrase that means “don't give up!”
What can I say instead of I love U? ›- “Smiling so much today just thinking of you”
- “Just wanted to thank you for being you :)”
- “I hope you know how much you mean to me”
- “I'm so glad you're in my life!”
- “You are so amazing!”
- “You mean so much to me”
- Send a sweet GIF.
- Send a romantic song.
First of all, suki (好き). The latter can be used more lightly than the other three. It expresses affection rather than literal love and is usually translated into “like” in English.
Do Japanese ever say I love you? ›
Linguistic differences aside, there is a larger cultural difference that causes a mistranslation to occur. Japanese people simply do not regularly say “I love you.” Someone might say “Aishiteru” in a sappy romantic movie, but overall the lingering impression after one professes their love in Japanese is a profound ...
What is Genki Dayo? ›Genki - dayo. -- "I'm fine" or "I'm doing well." sayonara.
What is the reply to dou itashimashite? ›“Dou itashimashite” (どう致しまして) means “You're welcome” and is widely known as the common response to “arigato gozaimasu”, but it sounds rather stiff and formal. “Iie iie” (いいえいいえ) or “ii yo ii yo” (いいよいいよ) translate as “Not at all” and are casual replies that are more frequently used in daily life.
What does Gachikoi mean? ›being in love with an idol, actor, etc.; fan who is in love with an idol, actor, etc. Slang, See also ガチ
How do you ask customer for bill? ›Please find a copy of your invoice {Invoice number} due {due date} attached for the amount of {amount due}. Please remit payment at your earliest convenience prior to the due date. If you need additional information on making r payments please let me know.
How do you ask a client to pay a bill? ›- Approach your customer for payment at the right time. ...
- Check if your customer received an unpaid invoice. ...
- Provide multiple payment options. ...
- Speak to the customer by phone. ...
- Consider cutting off future work. ...
- Research collection agencies. ...
- Provide the customer with precise records of your work.
- Don't get confrontational. ...
- Drop hints about needing money. ...
- Highlight your own financial situation. ...
- Ask for money back in writing. ...
- Be flexible about receiving money back. ...
- Add a sense of urgency. ...
- Ask them to cover your half of the bill. ...
- Ask their parents.
pass muster | do |
---|---|
be acceptable | be adequate |
be sufficient | fill the bill |
pass | suffice |
be alright | be good enough |
It is speculated that check, meaning restaurant bill, originated from a few potential sources. It is thought to have evolved from the term check as it is used in chess. It may have also derived from another, more literal meaning of check, which is to ensure, or check, for accuracy on a document.
How do you provide a bill? ›A bill can be introduced in either chamber of Congress by a senator or representative who sponsors it. Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee whose members will research, discuss, and make changes to the bill. The bill is then put before that chamber to be voted on.
Is Baka a loan word? ›
Baka is a loanword from Sanskrit.
What are the 100 most common Japanese words? ›- はい (hai) – Yes.
- いいえ (iie) - No.
- わかりません (wakarimasen) – I don't understand.
- わすれました (wasuremashita) – I forgot.
- しりません (shirimasen) – I don't know.
- たぶん (tabun) – Maybe.
- だいじょうぶ (daijoubu) – Alright.
- よろしくお願いします (yoroshiku onegai shimasu) – Nice to meet you.
However, if you study only one hour per day and don't do anything else to learn Japanese, it can take you up to twenty years to learn the language! So if you don't want to be speaking Japanese only in 2039, keep reading to see how you can shorten this time frame.
How many kanji should I learn a day? ›1. How many kanji will I learn each day? Some simple math will show that you need to learn at least 23 kanji every day to complete your mission on schedule (2,042 kanji ÷ 90 days = 22.7).
How many years dies it take to learn Japanese? ›Learning Japanese isn't easy and it will take time. It's probably fair to say that you can expect a commitment of at least three years in order to achieve something resembling fluency. The average learner gets to the advanced level in three or four years.
What is the most said word in anime? ›- Kawaii (かわいい) ...
- Sugoi (すごい) ...
- Baka (ばか) ...
- Oniisan (お兄さん) ...
- Daijōbu (大丈夫) Definition: Okay, good.
- Imōto (妹) Definition: Younger sister.
- Ureshiii (嬉しい) Definition: Happy, glad.
- Otaku (おたく) Definition: Someone who is obsessed with something, usually referring to anime/manga.
Japan: No official motto.
What are the coolest Japanese words? ›- KY (adj.) ...
- 木漏れ日 Komorebi (n.) ...
- わびさび Wabi-sabi (n.) ...
- 別腹 Betsu bara (n.) ...
- 森林浴 Shinrinyoku (n.) ...
- 積ん読 Tsundoku (n.) ...
- シブい Shibui (adj.) ...
- 過労死 Karōshi (n.)
143 is code for I love you, especially used on pagers back in the 1990s.
How early is too early to say I love you? ›While men tended to consider confessions of love acceptable after about a month or so, women tended to say it was better to wait 2 to 3 months or so.
Why some men can't say I love you? ›
Your partner may be hesitant to come on too strong, and the fear of not having these loving feelings reciprocated can be enough to deter them from saying those three words.
What is daisuki desu? ›daisuki 大好き = I really like you
Use daisuki 大好き or daisuki desu 大好きです (polite version) to say 'I really like you' to your crush in Japanese.
Depending on the characters used, Yuki can mean “snow,” “happiness,” or “snow flower.” Yuki is a beautiful name to give baby born in winter, or as a reminder of the happiness they have brought to your life. On This Page. Popularity Trend Chart. Sibling Name Ideas. Related Baby Names Lists.
Does ai mean love? ›In Japanese, both "ai (愛)" and "koi (恋)" can be roughly translated as "love" in English.
What do Japanese call their BF or GF? ›Koibito (恋人 / こいびと) is the Japanese word for 'sweetheart' or 'lover'. It consists of the characters for love (恋) and person (人). It can be used for a girlfriend or boyfriend, or even husband or wife. This term can be used regardless of your significant other's gender.
How do Japanese confess their love? ›“Daisuki desu” means to really like or love something, so this has a similar effect as “suki desu”. For example, if you are confessing your feelings for someone, you might say: Suki desu! Tsukiatte kudasai.
How to marry a Japanese guy? ›...
How to Marry a Japanese Man
- 2.1 Show that you can live in Japan.
- 2.2 Appeal to her family-oriented side.
- 2.3 Less emotional ups and downs.
- 2.4 Be aware of cleanliness.
The Japanese word nande (なんで, 何で) usually translates as “why” in English. It is a more casual way to ask about the cause, reason, or purpose behind something... Less.
Does Anata mean you? ›Anata (あなた) is the Japanese word for "you". Anata may refer to: Anata, a Japanese language second-person pronoun, sometimes used by married couples to refer to their partners.
How do you respond to O Genki desu ka? ›In OGENKI DESU KA (Are you fine?), OGENKI is an adjective GENKI (fine, healthy) with an honorific O before it. If you answer, “Yes, I'm fine,” you say HAI, GENKI DESU.
Is it rude to say dou itashimashite? ›
Re: You're welcome in Japanese
- Dou itashimashite. ...is the standard phrase meaning "You are welcome." However, saying "dou itashimashite" means you've accepted the thanks, and this can sound like you deserve the thanks.
こちらこそ • (kochira koso) (used as a response) I'm the one that should really be saying that. literally: this way, for sure; as in the thanks/apology should really be going this way (your way)
Which is more polite Arigatou or Dou Mo? ›Just saying 'domo' would be less polite than 'Arigato' since it's the short version of 'Domo arigato. ' People use 'domo' rather than 'arigato' when they consider 'arigato' is a little bit formal in a situation. They also use it when they just want to say something as a reply.
Is kisama rude? ›Actually, kisama is a pronoun that expresses the speaker's hostility or antagonism toward the person addressed with it. It is not a derogatory term. However, kisama is also used between close friends in certain groups of people, like a group of athletes or military soldiers and express a certain ambience of closeness.
What does Kokua mean in Japanese? ›Kokua is the word we use to describe the spirit of kindness accompanied by a desire to help one another, without expecting anything in return. More specifically, it translates to extending loving and sacrificial help to others for their benefit, and not for personal gain.
What does Oshi mean? ›"Oshi" means a person who you support and someone you are a fan of. It literally means “push.” Think of it like you are promoting someone and “pushing” them forward. If you are a big fan of someone, it means that oshi(推し) them.
What is the bill in Japan? ›Japan uses the Japanese yen, with the international symbol being ¥. Currently, there are 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen banknotes in circulation. Coins come in one-yen, five-yen, 10-yen, 50-yen, 100-yen and 500-yen denominations.
How do you ask for a receipt in Japanese? ›In Japan, most resterants, bars and cafes don't accept payment at your table. Or do you want to say, "Can I have a receipt (for the payment that I just did, so that I can hand it to my accountant)?" If so, say "Ryoshuusho kudasai (Please give me the receipt)" as you hand them your money or credit card.
Do you ask for the bill or check? ›In the UK, you ask for the bill; in the USA, it's the check. If you mix them up, you'll still be understood clearly, but it will help with your cultural immersion and your confidence if you remember the correct term and practice getting it right. You can drop in a few slang words too, just to really impress the locals.
How do you ask for the bill in SP? ›“¿me trae la cuenta, por favor?”
Is 5000 yen a lot in Japan? ›
5,000 yen – Comparable to an American $50 bill, this may be the one you use to pay for dinner and drinks at a well-known restaurant or izakaya. 10,000 yen – Essentially a $100 bill. Present this bill when paying for the whole family to eat.
What does 1 yen look like? ›The current aluminium coin was first introduced in 1955 with a floral design. The obverse has a young tree, intended to symbolize the healthy growth of Japan. The reverse side of the coin has a figure "1" in a circle that represents one yen; below the digit is the year of issue which is written in kanji.
What is the biggest Japanese bill? ›The ¥10,000 note (1万円紙幣 ichiman-en shihei) is the largest banknote denomination of the Japanese yen, as well as the largest denomination of the Japanese yen overall.
Does Yasui mean cheap? ›yasui – 安い (やすい) : an i-adjective meaning 'cheap' in Japanese.
What is Aoiro Shinkoku? ›Aoiro-Shinkoku 青色申告 (Blue Tax Return): This type is of form is used most often due to the special tax deductions that apply. Filing requirements include a balance sheet, income statement and thorough bookkeeping and accounting.
What does Hai Kudasai mean? ›Both kudasai (ください)and onegaishimasu(お願いします) are Japanese words used when making a request for items. In many cases, these two Japanese words, which translate roughly as "please" or "please give me," are interchangeable.
How do you gesture for the check? ›The easiest way to flag the server that you are ready for a check is to lift your index finger or slightly wave your hand. Never snap your fingers, though. Because you are the one requesting the check, you can expect that the server may deliver the bill to you instead of your eating companions.
What do you say when asking for a bill in a restaurant? ›"May we have the bill, please?" Or "Check please!"
How do you ask for the bill in Paris? ›French manners: Getting the bill in French
At the end of the meal, you should get the server's attention again with a simple 'excusez-moi' and to ask for the bill specifically, it is 'l'addition s'il vous plait'. If they bring it over straight away after the meal, do not think of it as rude.
You can say “this is on me” or “it's on me”. That way, everyone will understand you want to pay for them too. “On me” in this context means “this is my responsibility”.