cuentas separadas
/kwentas sepaɾadas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "separate checks" is translated as cuentas separadas.
This phrase is typically used at the end of a meal when the server asks if you want one bill or multiple bills.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun cuentas (accounts/bills) and the adjective separadas (separated/separate).
Which one should you use?
While cuentas separadas is the plural form used for multiple bills, you use the singular form cuenta separada if you are only requesting one separate bill for a specific person or item.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are only requesting one separate bill for a specific person or item, you use the singular form cuenta separada.
When do people say it?
A waiter might ask ¿Cuentas separadas? as a question to confirm your preference before printing the bills.
Did you know?
- The word cuenta shares the same root as the verb contar, meaning it is linguistically linked to both the act of counting numbers and the act of telling a story.
- In Spain, the phrase pagar a escote refers to the specific social custom of splitting a bill exactly equally, regardless of who ordered the most expensive dish.
- In traditional family-style restaurants in Latin America, requesting cuentas separadas can be seen as an unusual or socially awkward request due to strong communal dining norms.
Examples in context
- Queremos cuentas separadas.We'd like separate checks.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire for cuentas separadas.Tatoeba #399417 by catakaoe, translation #21100 by CK
- ¿Podríamos pedir las cuentas separadas, por favor?Could we request separate checks, please?
- ¿Podemos pagar cada uno lo nuestro?Can we each pay for our own?
- ¿Podemos pagar cada uno lo que consumimos?Can we each pay for what we consumed?
- ¿Podemos pedir cuentas separadas, por favor?Can we ask for separate checks, please?
- Al final, traigan cuentas separadas.At the end, bring separate checks.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are finishing their meal at a restaurant.
- MaríaMateo, ¿cómo quieres pagar la cuenta?Mateo, how do you want to pay the bill?
- MateoPrefiero que pidamos cuentas separadas.I prefer that we ask for separate checks.
- MaríaEstá bien, yo le diré al camarero.That's fine, I will tell the waiter.
- MateoGracias, María.Thank you, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
