English · Natural expressions
How to request service in English
In a café or restaurant, a clear order can be courteous without a long introduction. Use a straightforward polite order, a request for an extra item, or a considerate timing phrase.
Order ya request chhote aur polite sentence mein karein. Jo cheez chahiye, uska naam saaf batayein.
Choose the expression that fits
Expression 1
I'd like a coffee, please.
मुझे एक कॉफी चाहिए, कृपया।
mujhe ek coffee chahiye, kripya.
Place a simple order with the conventional polite wording.
Expression 2
Could I have some water, please?
क्या मुझे थोड़ा पानी मिल सकता है?
kya mujhe thoda paani mil sakta hai?
Ask for an additional item while giving the staff member a clear request.
Expression 3
When you have a moment, could we have the bill?
जब आपको समय मिले, तो क्या आप बिल ला सकते हैं?
jab aapko samay mile, to kya aap bill la sakte hain?
Request the bill while acknowledging that the staff member may be busy.
What to watch for
“I'd like” is a polite request for something. It does not describe liking an imaginary object. Use the full request, name the item, and add please where it fits naturally.
See it in a short conversation
Ordering at a café
Partner
What would you like?
Show Hindi meaning
आप क्या लेंगे / लेंगी?
aap kya lenge / lengi?
You
I'd like a coffee, please.
Show Hindi meaning
मुझे एक कॉफी चाहिए, कृपया।
mujhe ek coffee chahiye, kripya.
Requesting something else at the table
Partner
Can I get you anything else?
Show Hindi meaning
क्या आपको कुछ और चाहिए?
kya aapko kuchh aur chahiye?
You
Could I have some water, please?
Show Hindi meaning
क्या मुझे थोड़ा पानी मिल सकता है?
kya mujhe thoda paani mil sakta hai?
Your turn
Ask for the bill when the staff member has a moment. Use the complete polite request rather than translating 'have' as ownership.
Reveal sample reply
When you have a moment, could we have the bill?
जब आपको समय मिले, तो क्या आप बिल ला सकते हैं?
jab aapko samay mile, to kya aap bill la sakte hain?
