go Dutch

[ɡoʊ ˈdʌtʃ]
verb phrase
dividir a conta
1. to share the cost of a meal or entertainment equally among all participants, with each person paying for their own portion
We decided to go Dutch at the restaurant since everyone ordered different items.
Decidimos dividir a conta no restaurante, já que cada um pediu coisas diferentes.
2. to split expenses equally in any situation
Let's go Dutch on the taxi ride home.
Vamos dividir o táxi para casa.
This phrase originates from 17th-century Anglo-Dutch rivalries and was initially used derogatorily. In modern usage, it is a neutral, practical expression common in both American and Brazilian cultures, reflecting egalitarian attitudes toward shared expenses. It is widely used among friends, colleagues, and dating couples to avoid assumptions about who pays.
NYC Slang
split the check / go halfsies
Synonyms / Sinônimos
split the billsplit the checkeach pay their own waydivide the cost equally
Antonyms / Antônimos
treat someonepay for someonepick up the tab

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
dividir a conta
most common expression used across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
rachar a conta
colloquial alternative, especially among younger people
São Paulo
dividir a conta / rachar a conta
both expressions are commonly used
Portugal
partir a conta / dividir a conta
Portuguese Portuguese uses similar expressions

Related Words

billcheckexpensesharesplitDutch treat

Related Idioms & Phrases

Dutch treat
each man for himself
every man for himself
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →