Food & drinkAdvanced
Splitting the bill in English (advanced)
Advanced English for splitting the bill. Key line: “Hi, could we split the bill, please? We’re paying separately today.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, could we split the bill, please? We’re paying separately today.
Them
Sure — evenly, or do you want me to itemize what each of you had?
Lin
Could you do it by item? She borrowed most of my fries.
Them
Got it. And the cheesecake in the middle — was that shared, or should I guess?
Lin
Let’s split the dessert; the fries case is already messy enough.
Them
No worries, I can separate the checks and keep the peace.
Lin
Perfect, and if a mystery charge shows up, it’s probably the fries.
Them
Deal — if the fries testify, I’m putting them on your tab.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
AA
✓ split the billSplit the bill
Most common; not always equal
evenly
✓ split it evenlysame amount
Each person pays the same
by item
✓ do it by itempay for what each had
Good when orders differ
split checks
✓ separate the checksone check each
Common in restaurants
Quick answers
AA: what to say in English
Say “split the bill” — split the bill. Most common; not always equal.
evenly: what to say in English
Say “split it evenly” — same amount. Each person pays the same.
by item: what to say in English
Say “do it by item” — pay for what each had. Good when orders differ.
split checks: what to say in English
Say “separate the checks” — one check each. Common in restaurants.