Service charge - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：Service fee (Service charge)

Service charge 🔊

/ˈsɜːrvɪs tʃɑːrdʒ/

An extra fee added to a bill, especially in restaurants and hotels, for the service provided.

Service fee 🔊

➕

/ˈsɜːrvɪs fiː/

An additional charge added to a bill for the service provided, commonly found in restaurants and hotels.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

'Service' from Latin 'servitium' (slavery, service); 'charge' from Old French 'charger' (to load, impose).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a server charging you for their service – extra fee on your bill.

📖 Example

Before you pay, check the bill to see if a service charge is already included. 🔊 Before you pay, check the bill to see if a service charge is already included.

🔗 Collocations

include a service charge – to add a service fee to the bill

waive the service charge – to remove the service fee

mandatory service charge – compulsory extra fee for service

🔄 Synonyms

gratuity (n.) – a tip given to service staff, often included as a charge

surcharge (n.) – an additional fee added to the basic cost

📖 Cultural Story

In many restaurants, especially in Europe and North America, a service charge is often added automatically for large groups to ensure waitstaff receive gratuity, replacing voluntary tipping.