FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesPaying and ReceiptsCredo che il conto sia sbagliato.
B1

Credo che il conto sia sbagliato.

I think the bill is wrong.

Pronunciation

'Sbagliato' — sbál-YA-to. The 'gl' sounds like 'ly'.

When to use it

Use politely when you suspect an error on your bill or receipt. Always check receipts in Italy — errors do occur. Approach this calmly — a mistake is usually quickly corrected without confrontation.

What it means

'Credo che... sia' uses the subjunctive after 'credere che' (to believe that). 'Sia sbagliato' = is wrong (subjunctive of 'essere'). This construction is B1 level and signals doubt rather than accusation. A simpler version: 'Il conto non è corretto' (the bill is not correct).

Variations

C'è un errore nel conto.

There is an error in the bill.

Simpler, direct statement.

Questa voce non corrisponde a quello che ho ordinato.

This item does not correspond to what I ordered.

Specifies which entry is wrong.

Potete ricontrollare il totale?

Can you recheck the total?

Polite request to verify.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Scusi, credo che il conto sia sbagliato. Cameriere: Vediamo... quale voce? Cliente: Qui ci sono due antipasti ma ne ho ordinato uno solo. Cameriere: Ha ragione, mi scusi — ricalcolo subito.

Customer: Excuse me, I think the bill is wrong. Waiter: Let's see... which item? Customer: Here there are two starters but I only ordered one. Waiter: You are right, I apologise — I'll recalculate right away.

Cultural Note

In Italian restaurants, it is perfectly acceptable to request the bill ('il conto, per favore') and then check it carefully before paying. Errors, while not intentional, do happen — especially in busy restaurants. Checking is considered normal, not suspicious.