je peux avoir un verre d'eau ?
The English phrase "can I have a glass of water" is translated into French as je peux avoir un verre d'eau ?
This phrase is a polite request used to ask for a serving of water in a glass. In spoken French, it is very common to add Est-ce que to the beginning of the sentence to turn the statement into a question, resulting in Est-ce que je peux avoir un verre d'eau ?
What does it mean word for word?
The part un verre d'eau literally translates to "a glass of water", where d'eau is a contraction of de (of) and eau (water).
Which one should you use?
If you want a pitcher of water rather than a single glass, use une carafe d'eau instead of un verre d'eau.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal settings, you can replace je peux avoir with the more formal inversion puis-je avoir as seen in Puis-je avoir un verre d'eau ?
When do people say it?
In France, you have the right to ask for une carafe d'eau (a pitcher of tap water) for free in restaurants, whereas asking for un verre d'eau might imply bottled water which could be charged.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Est-ce que je peux avoir un verre d'eau ?Is it possible for me to have a glass of water?
- S'il vous plaît, je peux avoir un verre d'eau ?Please, can I have a glass of water?
Example conversation
Gabriel is visiting Manon at her home.
- GabrielManon, je peux avoir un verre d'eau ?Manon, can I have a glass of water?
- ManonOui, bien sûr, Gabriel.Yes, of course, Gabriel.
- GabrielMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
- ManonDe rien, je te l'apporte.You're welcome, I'll bring it to you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avoir, je, un, verre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
