买单

买单 (mǎi dān), which literally means "buy the list," is the standard Mandarin phrase for asking for the bill. In the fast-paced environment of many Hong Kong eateries, you often need to be proactive to get a waiter's attention. A common, non-verbal way is to make a "writing in the air" gesture. Unlike in some Western cultures where the bill is brought automatically, you almost always have to ask for it. For learners, saying "服务员, 买单" (Fúwùyuán, mǎi dān) is a crucial and practical phrase. Be prepared for a quick transaction, as turning tables efficiently is key to the Hong Kong dining model.