¿puedo tomar agua?
In Spanish, "can I drink water?" is said as ¿puedo tomar agua?
This phrase is a polite request used to ask for permission to drink water. You can use either the verb tomar or beber to express the action of drinking in this context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from puedo (I can), tomar (to take/to drink) and agua (water).
Which one should you use?
While beber is the literal verb for "to drink", tomar is much more common in many Spanish-speaking regions when asking for permission to consume a beverage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the phrase ¿Puedo tomar agua, por favor?, whereas in Spain, the phrase ¿Puedo beber agua, por favor? is commonly used.
Did you know?
- The word tomar literally means 'to take' and is used for drinking because of the concept of 'taking' a beverage. In some countries, this same verb is also used as a euphemism for drinking alcohol.
- Even though agua is a feminine noun, you say el agua in the singular to avoid a clashing sound. However, when you use an adjective, it returns to feminine form, such as in el agua fría.
- The verb tomar is much more versatile than the English 'to drink' and can be used for much more than liquids. You can use it to say you are 'taking' a bus or 'taking' medicine, such as tomar el autobús or tomar una medicina.
Examples in context
- Tengo mucha sed, ¿puedo tomar agua?I am very thirsty, can I drink water?
Example conversation
Mateo is in Elena's kitchen.
- MateoElena, ¿puedo tomar agua?Elena, can I drink water?
- ElenaSí, claro que sí.Yes, of course you can.
- Mateo¿Dónde está el vaso?Where is the glass?
- ElenaEstán en el armario.They are in the cupboard.
