je voudrais de l'eau
In French, je voudrais de l'eau is the way to say "I would like some water".
This phrase is a standard, polite way to order water in a restaurant or request it in a host's home. It is common to say de l'eau to mean some water.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb voudrais is the conditional form of vouloir, which makes the request polite.
Which one should you use?
While je veux de l'eau means "I want some water", it is much more blunt and can sound rude in a restaurant or social setting compared to je voudrais de l'eau.
Did you know?
- In France, asking for une carafe d'eau specifically requests a pitcher of tap water, which is provided free of charge by law in restaurants.
- The word eau is pronounced exactly like the letter o in English, despite its unusual spelling.
- While je voudrais de l'eau is polite, adding the word s'il vous plaît at the end is almost mandatory in France to avoid appearing demanding.
Examples in context
- D'accord, je voudrais de l'eau fraîche.Okay, I would like some cold water.
Example conversation
A customer is ordering at a small cafe.
- GabrielBonjour, je voudrais de l'eau, s'il vous plaît.Hello, I would like some water, please.
- EmmaBien sûr, monsieur. Une bouteille ou un verre ?Of course, sir. A bottle or a glass?
- GabrielUn verre, merci.A glass, thank you.
- EmmaTrès bien, j'apporte ça tout de suite.Very well, I will bring that right away.
