Portuguese Phrase
Queremos pagar separado.
Meaning
Literally, ‘We want to pay separate.’ In everyday English it means ‘We would like to pay separately,’ i.e., each person will cover their own portion of the bill.
When to use
Use this sentence when you’re at a restaurant, café, or any group activity and you prefer each person to settle their own share. It’s also handy when splitting costs for taxis, tours, or shared accommodations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Queremospagarseparado
Queremos (verb querer)
‘Queremos’ is the first‑person plural present of ‘querer’ (to want). It agrees with the subject ‘nosotros’ even when the subject is omitted.
pagar (infinitive)
The infinitive verb follows ‘querer’ directly, forming a verb‑infinitive construction that expresses a desire to do something.
separado (adjective used adverbially)
‘Separado’ literally means ‘separate’. In this context it works like an adverb meaning ‘separately’. Adding ‘por’ (por separado) is more common and slightly more formal.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo quieren pagar la cuenta?
How would you like to pay the bill?
Queremos pagar separado.
We want to pay separately.
✕Common Mistakes
Queremos pagar separado.
While understandable, native speakers usually say ‘por separado’. Adding ‘por’ makes the phrase sound more natural.
Nosotros queremos pagar separado.
The subject pronoun ‘nosotros’ is redundant because ‘queremos’ already indicates ‘we’. Dropping it keeps the sentence concise.
Queremos pagar el separado.
Do not treat ‘separado’ as a noun; it must stay an adjective/adverb. Incorrect: *‘pagar el separado’*.
↔Alternatives
Queremos pagar por separado.
We want to pay separately.
Cada uno paga su parte.
Each one pays his/her share.
Preferimos dividir la cuenta.
We prefer to split the bill.
Cultural Tip
In most Spanish‑speaking countries it’s perfectly normal to ask to split the bill. The phrase ‘por separado’ is the most common and sounds a bit more polished, especially in formal restaurants. In casual settings you’ll also hear ‘cada uno paga lo suyo’ (each pays his own). Remember that the waiter may ask ‘¿Cómo quieren la cuenta?’ (How would you like the bill?) – be ready with one of the above responses.