ajouter simplement de l'eau
The English phrase "just add water" is translated into French as ajouter simplement de l'eau.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are giving instructions to a single person you know well, you would use the informal imperative ajoute simplement de l'eau.
Did you know?
- The word ajouter comes from the Latin word iuxta which means 'near'. It literally describes the act of placing something next to something else.
- In French cooking instructions, you will often see the phrase à ajouter instead of using the imperative form, which functions like 'to be added'.
- The adverb simplement is used not only for ease of action but also to express a polite or understated way of correcting someone.
Examples in context
- Il suffit d'ajouter de l'eau pour former la pâte.Just add water to form the dough
- Pour préparer la soupe, il faut ajouter simplement de l'eau.To prepare the soup, you just need to add water.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are preparing a quick meal together.
- HugoC'est compliqué de cuisiner ça, Léa ?Is this complicated to cook, Léa?
- LéaNon, il faut ajouter simplement de l'eau.No, you just add water.
- HugoC'est vraiment rapide alors !That's really fast then!
- LéaOui, c'est prêt en cinq minutes.Yes, it's ready in five minutes.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ajouter, de, simplement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
