Può spiegarmi le voci del conto?

Can you explain the items on the bill?

Pronunciation

VOH-chee — 'voci' means 'voices' but also 'line items'. SPYEH-gar-mee — explain to me.

When to use it

Use when the bill contains unfamiliar charges or when the total seems higher than expected. Politely asking for an explanation is reasonable and expected.

What it means

'Voci' = items/entries (literally 'voices'). 'Spiegarmi' = explain to me ('spiegare' + 'mi' dative pronoun). This is a formal, polite way to request a breakdown of the bill without directly accusing anyone of an error.

Variations

Cosa è questa voce?

What is this line item?

Pointing to a specific unclear charge.

Perché c'è questa aggiunta?

Why is there this addition?

Questioning an unexpected extra charge.

Mi dà un riepilogo delle spese?

Can you give me a summary of expenses?

Requesting an itemized summary.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Può spiegarmi le voci del conto? Non capisco questa riga. Cameriere: Questa è la voce per il 'coperto' — due euro a persona per il servizio al tavolo. Cliente: E questa? Cameriere: Quella è l'acqua minerale — un litro, due euro.

Client: Can you explain the items on the bill? I don't understand this line. Waiter: This is the line for the cover charge — two euros per person for table service. Client: And this one? Waiter: That's the mineral water — one litre, two euros.

Cultural Note

Italian restaurant bills ('conti') can contain several items beyond food: coperto (cover charge), pane (bread), acqua (water), and servizio (service). All should be itemized and all must be declared on the menu. Always review each line before paying.

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