eau fraîche
The English phrase "chilled water" is translated into French as eau fraîche.
eau fraîche is used to describe water that is pleasantly cool or chilled.
Which one should you use?
While eau fraîche implies water that is pleasantly cool, eau froide is used for water that is cold, often implying ice-cold water.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fraîche must agree in gender with the feminine noun eau. If you are asking for an unspecified amount of chilled water, use the partitive article de l'eau fraîche.
Did you know?
- The word eau comes from the Latin aqua, which is the same root found in English words like 'aquarium' and 'aquatic'.
- Depending on the region, asking for eau fraîche might result in the server asking if you want it avec glaçons (with ice cubes), as ice is not always added by default.
- While English speakers use 'cool' to mean temperature, the French adjective fraîche can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is 'fresh' or 'new' in a certain context.
Examples in context
- Pourrais-je avoir de l'eau glacée, s'il vous plaît ?Could I have some iced water, please?
- Je préfère l'eau fraîche en été.I prefer chilled water in summer.
- Voulez-vous un verre d'eau fraîche ?Would you like a glass of chilled water?
- Il reste un peu d'eau fraîche.There is a little chilled water left.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are at a restaurant.
- HugoLéa, tu veux boire quelque chose ?Léa, do you want something to drink?
- LéaOui, je vais prendre une eau fraîche.Yes, I will have a chilled water.
- HugoD'accord, je commande pour nous deux.Okay, I'll order for both of us.
- LéaMerci beaucoup, Hugo !Thank you very much, Hugo!
