Spanish · A1 · Speaking · about 5 min
Order a drink, ask the price, then request the bill. One useful café exchange in three lines.
‘Quisiera’ is a polite way to ask for something. Add ‘por favor’ when ordering.
Say thisQuisiera un café, por favor.
MeaningI would like a coffee, please.
When to use itStart the conversation naturally.
Say this¿Cuánto cuesta?
MeaningHow much does it cost?
When to use itAdd the detail the other person needs.
Say thisLa cuenta, por favor.
MeaningThe bill, please.
When to use itFinish with a clear, polite line.
| Say this | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Quisiera un café, por favor. | I would like a coffee, please. | Start the conversation naturally. |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | Add the detail the other person needs. |
| La cuenta, por favor. | The bill, please. | Finish with a clear, polite line. |
SituationThe server asks whether you want milk. You do. What do you say?
Say thisCon leche, por favor.
Why‘Con leche’ means with milk; ‘sin leche’ means without it.
SituationYou need a table for two. Which request fits?
Say thisUna mesa para dos personas, por favor.
Why‘Para dos personas’ states the number of guests.
SituationYou are allergic to nuts. How do you ask whether the cake contains them?
Say this¿Lleva frutos secos?
Why‘¿Lleva frutos secos?’ asks whether a dish contains nuts. Confirm ingredients with staff before eating.
SituationYou want the coffee to go. What do you ask for?
Say thisPara llevar, por favor.
Why‘Para llevar’ means to take away.
SituationThe bill has arrived. You want to pay by card. Which question works?
Say this¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
Why‘¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?’ asks if card payment is possible.
| Situation | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The server asks whether you want milk. You do. What do you say? | Con leche, por favor. | ‘Con leche’ means with milk; ‘sin leche’ means without it. |
| You need a table for two. Which request fits? | Una mesa para dos personas, por favor. | ‘Para dos personas’ states the number of guests. |
| You are allergic to nuts. How do you ask whether the cake contains them? | ¿Lleva frutos secos? | ‘¿Lleva frutos secos?’ asks whether a dish contains nuts. Confirm ingredients with staff before eating. |
| You want the coffee to go. What do you ask for? | Para llevar, por favor. | ‘Para llevar’ means to take away. |
| The bill has arrived. You want to pay by card. Which question works? | ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | ‘¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?’ asks if card payment is possible. |
Order a drink, ask the price, then request the bill. One useful café exchange in three lines.
You want a coffee. Which line starts the order?
The server asks whether you want milk. You do. What do you say?
Quisiera un café, por favor.
I would like a coffee, please.
Start the conversation naturally.
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
Add the detail the other person needs.
La cuenta, por favor.
The bill, please.
Finish with a clear, polite line.