carafe d'eau
Carafe of water in French is carafe d'eau.
carafe d'eau is the jug of water served at the table.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is made of carafe and d'eau, meaning of water, where d' is the shortened form of the word for of used before a vowel.
When do people say it?
In France you can ask for une carafe d'eau in a restaurant and receive tap water free of charge, since restaurants must provide it on request.
Did you know?
- The word carafe was borrowed from the Italian caraffa, which likely came from the Arabic ḡurfa meaning a 'cup' or 'dipper'.
- In French, if you simply ask for de l'eau without specifying une carafe, a waiter may bring you a paid bottle of sparkling or still mineral water.
- In French dining culture, the act of pouring water from the carafe for others at the table is a customary gesture of politeness.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir! Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît.Good evening! A carafe of water, please.
- Est-ce que je peux avoir une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît ?Can I have a carafe of water, please?
- Est-ce que je peux avoir une carafe d'eau ?Can I have a carafe of water?
- Apportez une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît.Bring a carafe of water, please.
- La carafe d'eau est sur la table.The carafe of water is on the table.
Example conversation
A customer is ordering at a restaurant.
- ChloéBonjour, je voudrais une table pour deux.Hello, I would like a table for two.
- NathanTrès bien, voici votre menu.Very well, here is your menu.
- ChloéMerci, et une carafe d'eau aussi.Thank you, and a carafe of water too.
- NathanBien sûr, je vous apporte ça tout de suite.Of course, I will bring that to you right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carafe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
