French Phrase
On partage l'addition ?
Meaning
Literally, "We split the bill?" It is a polite, informal way to ask the people at the table if everyone wants to pay their share of the restaurant check.
When to use
Use this phrase right after the waiter brings the check, when you’re in a casual setting with friends or colleagues and want to suggest dividing the cost equally.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onpartagel'addition?
On (impersonal / we)
In spoken French, "on" often replaces "nous" and means "we" or an indefinite subject, especially in casual conversation.
Partage (present tense)
The verb "partager" is conjugated in the present simple: "on partage" = "we split".
L' (elided article)
The definite article "la" becomes "l'" before a vowel sound, here before "addition".
Question intonation
Raising the pitch at the end of the sentence signals a yes/no question; no inversion is needed.
🗨In Conversation
On partage l'addition ?
Shall we split the bill?
Oui, c’est plus simple.
Yes, that’s easier.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous partageons l'addition ?
While grammatically correct, "nous partageons l'addition" sounds overly formal in casual dining; native speakers prefer "on".
Partageons‑nous l'addition ?
Using the present indicative with inversion ("Partageons‑nous l'addition ?") is grammatically possible but extremely formal and rarely used in everyday speech.
On partage l'additionner ?
"L'additionner" means "to add" mathematically, not "the bill".
↔Alternatives
On divise l'addition ?
Shall we divide the bill?
On se partage la note ?
Do we split the check?
Chacun paie sa part ?
Does everyone pay his/her share?
Cultural Tip
In France it’s common for one person to pay the whole check and then be reimbursed later, especially among friends. However, asking "On partage l'addition ?" shows consideration for fairness and is perfectly acceptable in informal settings. Be aware that "on" can sound more relaxed than the formal "nous".