Can I pay now?
ah-DESH-so — three syllables, stress on second. 'adesso' means 'now' in Italian. Also common: 'ora'.
Use when you want to pay early — perhaps before dessert or because you need to leave. Also useful at the bar before consuming, which is the practice in some Italian bars.
'Posso' = can I. 'Adesso' = now. This simple question is appropriate when you need to pay at an unusual moment — before finishing the meal, at the start, or mid-service.
Posso pagare prima di andare?
Can I pay before leaving?
Explicitly linking payment to departure.
Devo andare — posso pagare subito?
I have to go — can I pay immediately?
Expressing urgency.
Pago alla cassa o al tavolo?
Do I pay at the cashier or at the table?
Clarifying the payment procedure.
Italian restaurants vary on payment procedure — some expect payment at the table, others at a central cashier. At bars, paying at the 'cassa' (cashier) before ordering is common. When in doubt, ask 'si paga qui o alla cassa?' (do we pay here or at the cashier?).