Italian Phrase
Possiamo pagare separati?
Meaning
Literally, 'Can we pay separately?'. It is the polite way to ask if the group can split the bill and each person settle his/her own portion.
When to use
Use this phrase in restaurants, cafés, taxis, or any situation where a group wants to divide the cost. It works both in casual settings with friends and in more formal contexts like business lunches.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possiamopagareseparati?
Possiamo (potere)
Present indicative of the modal verb potere, used to ask for permission or possibility: 'we can/are we able to...'.
Pagare (infinitive)
The infinitive form of the verb 'to pay', placed after the modal verb.
Separati (adjective used adverbially)
Literally 'separate', it agrees in gender and number with the subject and functions like an adverb meaning 'separately'.
Question mark
In spoken Italian the intonation rises at the end; the written '?' marks the interrogative.
🗨In Conversation
Possiamo pagare separati?
Can we pay separately?
Certo, vi porto i conti separati.
Sure, I'll bring you separate checks.
✕Common Mistakes
Possiamo pagare separato?
The adjective must agree with the plural subject; use 'separati' for 'we'.
Possiamo pagare separatamente?
While grammatically correct, 'separatamente' sounds overly formal in everyday conversation.
Possiamo pagare a parte?
The correct preposition is 'a parte' only in some regions; 'separati' is more universally understood.
↔Alternatives
Possiamo dividere il conto?
Can we split the bill?
Possiamo pagare ognuno per conto suo?
Can each of us pay for ourselves?
Possiamo pagare a parte?
Can we pay apart?
Cultural Tip
In many parts of Italy, especially outside tourist hubs, it is common for one person to pay the whole bill and the others reimburse later. Asking to split the check is perfectly acceptable in larger cities and tourist areas, but be prepared that some smaller establishments may prefer a single payment.