diviser l'addition
The phrase split bill in French is diviser l'addition.
You use this phrase when you want to divide the total cost of a meal among the people who shared it. If you want to split a bill exactly 50/50 between two people, you can use the colloquial expression faire moitié-moitié. If you prefer to pay only for what you personally ordered rather than splitting the total equally, you can say chacun sa part or chacun paie sa part.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb diviser (to divide) and the noun l'addition (the bill/check).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the phrase Est-ce qu'on peut faire moitié-moitié? is used to suggest splitting the bill equally.
Did you know?
- In high-end, traditional French dining, requesting to diviser l'addition can sometimes be perceived as a breach of etiquette or a sign of stinginess among close companions.
- In Quebec, the phrase faire moitié-moitié is a standard, everyday suggestion for splitting a bill, whereas in France it can sound like you are describing the physical properties of a substance.
- The word diviser is an alteration of the Old French deviser, which stems from the Latin 'divisare' and shares a root with the English word 'devise'.
Examples in context
- Est-ce qu'on peut diviser l'addition ?Can we split the bill?
- Il vaut mieux diviser l'addition entre nous.It is better to split the bill among us.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are finishing a meal at a cafe.
- LéaLucas, on peut diviser l'addition ?Lucas, can we split the bill?
- LucasOui, pas de problème pour moi.Yes, no problem for me.
- LéaC'est parfait, je vais appeler le serveur.That's perfect, I will call the waiter.
- LucasD'accord, je vais chercher mon portefeuille.Okay, I am going to get my wallet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diviser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
