partager l'addition
To split the bill in French, you say partager l'addition.
This phrase is used to describe dividing the cost of a meal or service equally among the people who shared it. If you are specifically splitting a bill between two people, you can use the colloquial expression faire moitié-moitié to mean 'to go halves'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb partager (to share) and the noun l'addition (the bill/check).
Did you know?
- In traditional French etiquette, asking to partager l'addition can be viewed as awkward because the custom is for one person to pay and others to reimburse them later.
- The verb partager used in this phrase eventually displaced the older word partir when used in the sense of sharing or dividing something.
- If you want the waiter to provide individual checks rather than one total to be divided, you must specifically ask for des additions séparées.
Examples in context
- Je peux calculer combien chacun doit payer, si vous voulez.I can calculate how much everyone should pay if you'd like
- On partage l'addition ?Shall we split the bill?
- Nous allons partager l'addition.We are going to split the bill.
- Je préfère partager l'addition avec mes amis.I prefer to split the bill with my friends.
Example conversation
Two friends are finishing a meal at a cafe.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'on peut partager l'addition ?Can we split the bill?
- HugoOui, bien sûr, Chloé.Yes, of course, Chloé.
- ChloéC'est plus simple pour moi.It is simpler for me.
- HugoD'accord, je vais appeler le serveur.Okay, I will call the waiter.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries partager, CC BY-SA 4.0.
