الحساب من فضلك.

When to use

Use this phrase when you have finished your meal and are ready to pay the bill. It's a standard and polite way to signal this to the staff.

How it works

A direct request: * `الـ` (al-): The definite article 'the'. * `حساب` (Hisab): 'bill' or 'account'. * `من فضلك` (min fadlik): 'please'. The phrase literally means 'The bill, please'.

• الحساب: the bill
• من فضلك: please

Grammar: Definite Article

The definite article `الـ` (al-) is attached to `حساب` (Hisab) to specify 'the bill' rather than 'a bill'. This is standard for requesting a specific item you've consumed.

Pronunciation Nuances

The `ح` (H) in `حساب` is a voiceless pharyngeal fricative. It's a strong sound from the back of the throat. Contrast this with `ه` (h), which is a simple exhalation.

Watch out

In Egyptian Arabic, you might hear `الحساب لو سمحت` (el-Hesaab law samaaHtek). In Levantine, it could be `الحساب لو سمحت` (el-Hisaab iza btekram). The MSA version is universally understood and appropriate.

Notes

Use when ready to pay. Polite and safe with strangers.