How to Say ‘Waiter, the bill please’ in Simplified Chinese
服务员，买单
fú wù yuán mǎi dān
[foo-woo-ywen mǎidān]
💬 Usage Tip: 买单 (mǎidān) is the everyday way to ask for the bill, though it literally reads "buy the bill". You'll hear it far more than 账单; 结账 (jiézhàng) is a common alternative.
🇨🇳 In China: Tipping isn't expected in mainland China. Friends often argue politely over who pays rather than splitting the bill.
Phrase Breakdown
服务员
fú wù yuán
[foo-woo-ywen]
server; attendant; waiter/waitress
A staff member who helps customers in a restaurant or at an entrance.
门口的服务员会帮忙停车。
The attendant at the entrance will help park the car.
买单
mǎi dān
[mǎidān]
to pay the bill
Common spoken way to ask for the check at a restaurant.
我们吃完了，买单吧。
We're done eating, let's pay the bill.
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