Formal — to staff
Cultural · Dining
You
お会計をお願いします。
おかいけいをおねがいします。
May I have the bill, please?
Romaji: Okaikei wo onegaishimasu. / Reply Romaji: Kashikomarimashita. Shōshō omachi kudasai.
Reply
かしこまりました。少々お待ちください。
かしこまりました。しょうしょうおまちください。
Certainly. One moment please.
Gesture & etiquette
Lightly raise one hand to shoulder height to catch the server's attention; avoid snapping fingers or calling out loudly; once you have their eye, say the phrase with a nod.
In Japanese restaurants, the bill is rarely brought automatically — you must ask. Catching a staff member's eye with a slight raise of your hand is appropriate. Splitting the bill at the register (割り勘, warikan) is common and accepted; telling the cashier '別々でお願いします' (separately please) beforehand helps.
#restaurant#bill#payment#dining#staff#formal#warikan#splitting#service