买单
mǎi dān
The bill, please · trad. 買單
买单 (mǎidān) is how you ask for the bill in a restaurant or other establishment. You say it to any staff member when you are ready to pay.
What does 买单 (mǎi dān) mean?
买单 (mǎi dān) means “the bill, please” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “buy bill.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's appropriate in most dining situations. An equally common alternative is 结账 (jiézhàng).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “MYE-dahn.” The first syllable has a falling-rising tone, and the second is a high-level tone.
Other ways to say it
- 结账jié zhàngcheck out / pay the bill
- 请买单qǐng mǎi dānplease bring the bill
Examples
服务员，买单！
fúwùyuán, mǎi dān!
Waiter, the bill, please!
吃完了，我们买单吧。
chī wánle, wǒmen mǎi dān ba.
We've finished eating, let's get the bill.
请问，在哪里买单？
qǐngwèn, zài nǎli mǎi dān?
Excuse me, where do I pay the bill?
Pro tip: Both 买单 and 结账 are widely used and understood when asking for the bill. You can use either one confidently.
Related phrases
服务员！ · Waiter or waitress菜单给我看一下 · The menu, please有英文菜单吗？ · Do you have an english menu
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