puis-je avoir de l'eau
The English phrase "can I get some water" is translated into French as puis-je avoir de l'eau.
This phrase is a polite request used to ask for a glass or bottle of water.
What does it mean word for word?
The part de l'eau translates to "some water" and uses the partitive article to indicate an unspecified quantity of water.
Which one should you use?
While puis-je avoir de l'eau is a direct question, the phrase Je voudrais de l'eau (I would like some water) is a more common way to politely request water in a restaurant.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form puis-je avoir de l'eau uses inversion (verb-subject) to create a formal question.
Did you know?
- While avoir means 'to have', it is also used in the phrase avoir soif to say 'to be thirsty', literally translating as 'to have thirst'.
- In French restaurants, you can ask for une carafe d'eau to get a pitcher of tap water for free, whereas une bouteille d'eau usually implies a paid mineral water.
- The verb avoir in your request shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'aver', which means to assert or declare something to be true.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, puis-je avoir un verre d'eau, s'il vous plaît?Hello, can I have a glass of water, please?
- Est-ce que je peux avoir de l'eau fraîche?Can I have some cold water?
- Salut! Est-ce que je peux avoir un verre d'eau, s'il te plaît?Hi! Can I have a glass of water, please?
- Puis-je avoir de l'eau fraîche ?Can I get some cold water?
- Puis-je avoir de l'eau minérale ?Can I get some mineral water?
Example conversation
Nathan is ordering food at a restaurant.
- NathanPuis-je avoir de l'eau, s'il vous plaît ?Can I get some water, please?
- ChloéBien sûr, Nathan. Je vous apporte ça.Of course, Nathan. I'll bring that to you.
- NathanMerci beaucoup, Chloé.Thank you very much, Chloé.
- ChloéJe vous en prie.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avoir, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
