French Phrase
On peut payer séparément ?
Meaning
This question asks whether each person in a group can settle their own bill instead of paying a single, combined check. It’s a polite way to request separate payments in restaurants, cafés, taxis, or any situation where a group shares a cost.
When to use
Use it when you’re with friends, colleagues, or family and you want to know if the venue can split the bill. It’s especially handy in restaurants, bars, or when taking a shared taxi.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onpeutpayerséparément?
On (impersonal pronoun)
In spoken French, "on" often replaces "nous" and means "we" or "one" in a casual context.
Pouvoir (modal verb)
"peut" is the third‑person singular present of pouvoir, used here to ask for permission or possibility.
Infinitive after pouvoir
When a modal verb like pouvoir is used, it is followed by an infinitive verb—in this case, "payer".
Séparément (adverb)
"Séparément" is the adverbial form of "séparé" and means "separately"; it modifies the verb "payer".
Question intonation
The sentence ends with a question mark; in spoken French the intonation rises at the end.
🗨In Conversation
On peut payer séparément ?
Can we pay separately?
Oui, bien sûr, je vous apporte l'addition séparée.
Yes, of course, I’ll bring you separate checks.
✕Common Mistakes
On peut payer séparé ?
Use the adverb "séparément" after a verb; "séparé" is an adjective and sounds unnatural here.
Nous pouvons payer séparément ?
While grammatically correct, "nous pouvons" sounds overly formal in casual conversation; native speakers prefer "on".
On peut payer séparé ?
Missing the adverbial ending "‑ment"; the correct form is "séparément".
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce qu’on peut régler séparément ?
Can we settle the bill separately?
Chacun peut‑il payer sa part ?
Can each person pay his/her share?
On peut avoir des additions séparées ?
Can we have separate checks?
Cultural Tip
In France it’s common to ask for separate checks before ordering, especially in larger groups. Some smaller cafés may refuse to split the bill, so it’s polite to ask early. Also, remember that "on" is informal; in a very formal setting you might say "Pouvons‑nous payer séparément ?"