verre d'eau
The English phrase 'glass of water' is translated into French as verre d'eau.
This phrase is used to describe a portion of water served in a glass container. While you might use un verre d'eau to refer to the drink as a whole, using une eau would refer more generally to the water itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of verre (glass) and d'eau (of water).
Which one should you use?
If you wish to emphasize that the glass is specifically filled with water, you can use un verre rempli d'eau.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun verre is masculine, which is why it is preceded by the masculine article un in the phrase un verre d'eau. To make the phrase plural, change verre to verres to get des verres d'eau. The amount of water remains a singular concept d'eau.
Did you know?
- In France, requesting a carafe d'eau instead of a verre d'eau in a restaurant ensures you get free tap water in a pitcher rather than bottled water you must pay for.
- French speakers often use the phrase un verre alone to imply a glass of wine or an alcoholic drink, rather than water, when inviting someone for a drink.
- The word verre is a doublet of vitre, meaning they both originate from the Latin word vitrum but evolved into two different French words for different types of glass.
Examples in context
- Veux-tu un verre d'eau ?Do you want a glass of water?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they want a verre d'eau.Tatoeba #4036080 by mouche, translation #2643400 by CK
- Tom a bu un verre d'eau.Tom drank a glass of water.This sentence is useful for stating that someone drank a verre d'eau.Tatoeba #5620589 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5620545 by CK
- Donne-moi un verre d'eau.Give me a glass of water.This sentence is useful for requesting a verre d'eau.Tatoeba #5313736 by nimfeo, translation #249660 by CK
- Excusez-moi, pourrais-je avoir un verre d'eau?Excuse me, could I have a glass of water?
- Ça serait possible de m'apporter un verre d'eau?Would it be possible to bring me a glass of water?
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are sitting in a restaurant.
- EmmaJe vais commander un verre d'eau.I am going to order a glass of water.
- LucasMoi aussi, s'il te plaît, Lucas.Me too, please, Lucas.
- EmmaJe demande un verre d'eau pour nous deux.I'll ask for a glass of water for both of us.
- LucasMerci beaucoup, Emma.Thank you very much, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries verre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
