On peut séparer l'addition ?
The English phrase "can we split the bill?" can be translated into French as On peut séparer l'addition ?
This phrase is used to request that the total cost of a meal or service be divided among the people present. If you prefer to pay only for what you personally consumed rather than splitting the total amount equally, you might say Chacun sa part or On peut payer séparément ?
Which one should you use?
Depending on the situation, you may use different forms: Est-ce que nous pouvons partager l'addition? is used for formal requests, while Est-ce qu'on peut partager l'addition? is an informal way to ask the same question. For a more casual suggestion of splitting the cost, you can use On se partage l'addition? or for the specific meaning "Can everyone pay their own share?", use Chacun peut payer sa part?
Did you know?
- In France, asking to split the bill is common, but it is often seen as a social faux pas to do so on a first date or when a senior person is present.
- The verb séparer in your phrase shares its Latin roots with the older French word sevrer, which means to wean a child or an animal.
- In many French restaurants, the staff may find it more common to ask Vous réglez ensemble ou séparément ? (Are you paying together or separately?) rather than waiting for you to ask to split.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are finishing their lunch at a restaurant.
- LucasC'était délicieux. On peut séparer l'addition ?That was delicious. Can we split the bill?
- EmmaOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
- LucasJe demande au serveur tout de suite.I will ask the waiter right now.
- EmmaMerci beaucoup, Lucas.Thank you very much, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries on, peut, séparer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
