계산서 주세요 Meaning: What Koreans Really Say When Asking for the Bill

Introduction

Here’s a helpful Korean phrase you’ll use almost every time you dine out in Korea. It’s simple, polite, and perfect for cafés, restaurants, and small neighborhood shops. Knowing how to ask for the bill makes ordering, eating, and wrapping up your meal much smoother.

What This Phrase Means

Example phrase: 계산서 주세요

Breakdown & Meaning

계산서 주세요 means “Please give me the bill” or simply “Bill, please.”

Breakdown:

  • 계산서: bill / check
  • 주세요: please give (to me)

In Korea, staff usually don’t bring the bill automatically. Most places expect you to either pay at the counter or ask for the bill when you’re ready. A polite “계산서 주세요” is all you need.

Culturally, it’s straightforward. A friendly tone is enough, and sometimes a small hand gesture or eye contact helps. No waving or shouting required.

How to Use It in Real Life

You can use this phrase:

  • When you’re finished eating at a restaurant
  • After enjoying a drink in a café
  • When staff walk by your table in a busy place
  • After a meal with friends when you want to pay together
  • When you want to take the bill even if someone else offered to pay

Situational Examples

  • You finish a warm bowl of ramen, catch a staff member’s attention, and say “계산서 주세요.”
  • While sharing fried chicken with friends, you decide to treat everyone.
  • At a cozy café, you walk to the counter and say the phrase as you tap your card.

Usage Examples

  1. 여기 계산 좀 할게요
    Yeogi gyesan jom halgeyo
    I’d like to pay here.


  2. 계산 부탁드려요
    Gyesan butak deuryeoyo
    Could you please help me with the payment?


  3. 따로 계산할게요
    Ttaro gyesan halgeyo
    We’ll pay separately.


  4. 같이 계산할게요
    Gachi gyesan halgeyo
    We’ll pay together.


  5. 카드로 계산할게요
    Kadeuro gyesan halgeyo
    I’ll pay with a card.


  • 영수증 주세요 (Yeongsujeung juseyo): Please give me a receipt.
  • 계산은 여기서 해요 (Gyesaneun yeogiseo haeyo): We’ll pay here.
  • 오늘은 제가 낼게요 (Oneureun jega naelgeyo): I’ll pay today.
  • 얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?): How much is it?

Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster

Useful, polite expressions like 계산서 주세요 appear in almost every dining situation in Korea. Because you hear and use them often, they naturally build your confidence and help you connect with local daily life. Short, essential phrases make communication easier and give you a strong foundation for learning more Korean.

Closing

Next time you visit a café or restaurant in Korea, try using 계산서 주세요 with confidence. It’s a small phrase that makes everyday experiences feel smoother. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy your journey with the Korean language.

✈️ Travel in Korea

This article is part of our Travel in Korea guide series, where we share walking routes, night views, local neighborhoods, and everyday travel experiences across Korea.

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