The English phrase “half-half” or “half and half” can refer to an equal division, a mixture of two things, or a situation where something is shared equally. In French, several expressions can be used, depending on the meaning.

Moitié-moitié

“Moitié-moitié” is the most common way to say “half and half” in French. It is used when something is divided equally or when something contains equal parts of two elements.

Examples:

• “On partage les frais moitié-moitié.” = “We split the costs half and half.”
• “Cette sauce est faite moitié-moitié de crème et de lait.” = “This sauce is made half cream and half milk.”
• “Ils ont acheté la maison moitié-moitié.” = “They bought the house half and half.”

Cinquante-cinquante

“Cinquante-cinquante” literally means “fifty-fifty” and is often used in the same way as “moitié-moitié.” It is common in spoken French, especially when discussing sharing or fairness.

Examples:

• “On fait cinquante-cinquante ?” = “Shall we go fifty-fifty?”
• “Le risque est cinquante-cinquante.” = “The risk is fifty-fifty.”
• “Ils ont divisé la somme cinquante-cinquante.” = “They divided the amount half and half.”

Pour moitié

“Pour moitié” is more formal and is usually found in writing, contracts, or official contexts. It also means “by half” or “half and half.”

Examples:

• “Cette entreprise est détenue pour moitié par l’État.” = “This company is owned half and half by the state.”
• “Les bénéfices seront partagés pour moitié entre les associés.” = “The profits will be shared half and half between the partners.”

À parts égales

“À parts égales” means “in equal parts.” It is another way to express the idea of half and half when talking about a fair or equal division.

Examples:

• “Ils ont financé le projet à parts égales.” = “They funded the project half and half.”
• “Les deux équipes sont responsables à parts égales.” = “The two teams are equally responsible.”

Other uses

In some cases, “mélange moitié-moitié” is used when referring to a mixture, and “un demi” can be used in casual contexts to mean “half” of something, but not necessarily half and half.

Examples:

• “Un mélange moitié-moitié d’eau et de jus.” = “A half and half mixture of water and juice.”
• “On a bu un demi chacun.” = “We each drank half a pint.”