eau du robinet
/o dy ʁɔ.bi.nɛ/
The English phrase 'mains water' is eau du robinet in French.
eau du robinet is used to refer to mains water. In French restaurants, it is common to distinguish between this and eau minérale, which refers to bottled mineral water.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase eau du robinet literally translates to 'water of the tap'.
Which one should you use?
eau du robinet is used for mains water, whereas eau minérale is used for bottled mineral water.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the term Eau municipale is often used for 'mains water'.
How do you pronounce it?
/o dy ʁɔ.bi.nɛ/
Did you know?
- The word robinet is a diminutive of robin, meaning 'sheep'. This is because early water taps were often crafted in the shape of a sheep's head.
- In French culture, requesting une carafe d'eau in a restaurant is the standard way to ask for free eau du robinet.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce que tu penses de l'eau du robinet en France?What do you think about tap water in France?
- Chez nous, l'eau de ville est potable et de très bonne qualité.At our place, the city water is drinkable and of very good quality.
- Je bois de l'eau du robinet.I drink mains water.
- L'eau du robinet est très fraîche ici.The mains water is very fresh here.
- Est-ce que l'eau du robinet est potable ?Is the mains water drinkable?
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are in the kitchen preparing a meal.
- LéaTu veux une bouteille d'eau ?Do you want a bottle of water?
- NathanNon, l'eau du robinet me suffit.No, tap water is enough for me.
- LéaTu es sûr que c'est bon ?Are you sure it tastes good?
- NathanOui, l'eau du robinet est très fraîche.Yes, the mains water is very fresh.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry eau du robinet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, eau, robinet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
