A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "We'd like to split the bill" in French
Politely request to split the restaurant bill in France. Essential for group dining.
Nous aimerions partager l'addition, s'il vous plaît.
noo zah-meh-ree-OHN shah-reh lay-dee-SEE-ohn, seel voo plehneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when dining with friends or colleagues and you want to divide the cost of the meal. It's a common request in most French restaurants, especially in cities.
Alternatives
- On peut partager l'addition ?More casual, best with friends or in a very relaxed bistro.
- Est-ce qu'on peut diviser l'addition ?Slightly more formal than 'partager', but still common.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'addition' like English
The 'ti' in 'addition' is pronounced like 'see' (see-ON), not 'shun'.
Forgetting the liaison
Say 'l'addition' with a 'z' sound connecting 'l' and 'addition' (lah-dee-SEE-ohn).
Using 'tu' when you mean 'vous'
If you're unsure, always use 'vous' to be polite; 'tu' is for close friends and family.
A small cultural note
While splitting the bill is common, sometimes one person might offer to pay for everyone, especially in more traditional settings or if it's a business meal. It's polite to offer to pay it back later.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How do I ask to split the bill in French?
The most common way is 'Nous aimerions partager l'addition, s'il vous plaît.' You can also say 'On peut partager l'addition ?' if you're with friends.
Is it rude to split the bill in France?
No, it's generally not rude, especially in casual settings or when dining with a group of friends. The phrase 'Nous aimerions partager l'addition' is polite and widely understood.
What if my French isn't good enough to say this?
You can point to the bill and say 'Partager ?' or 'Split ?' while looking questioning. Many waiters will understand, especially in tourist areas.
