How to Ask for Separate Checks in Brazilian Portuguese
Learn the difference between dividir a conta and pagar separado, plus polite ways to ask before the bill arrives.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Conta is the bill or check. Pagar separado means to pay separately, while dividir a conta means to divide the bill. Restaurants may have different policies, so ask before ordering if separate payment matters to your group.
Ask whether the group can pay separately
A gente pode pagar separado?
Can we pay separately?
Vocês dividem a conta por pessoa?
Can you split the bill per person?
Explain how you want to divide it
If everyone wants an equal share, say em partes iguais. If each person wants to pay for what they ordered, say cada um paga o seu. Brazilian restaurants may add a service charge; ask whether it is included rather than assuming it is handled the same way everywhere.
Pode dividir em partes iguais, por favor?
Could you split it into equal parts, please?
Cada um vai pagar o que pediu.
Each person is going to pay for what they ordered.
Confirm the payment method
Use cartão to mean card, Pix for Brazil’s instant payment system, and dinheiro for cash. When there are several cards, tell the server how many payments you need. A quick confirmation helps prevent confusion when the bill is busy or the group is large.
São três cartões. Dá para cobrar em três vezes separadas?
There are three cards. Can you charge them as three separate payments?
A taxa de serviço já está incluída?
Is the service charge already included?
Put it into practice
Ask about separate payment early, then specify whether to divide equally or let each person pay for their own order.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Each person is going to pay for what they ordered”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.