μη ανθρακούχο νερό
mi anthrakoúcho neró
The English phrase "still water" is translated into Greek as μη ανθρακούχο νερό (mi anthrakoúcho neró).
This phrase is used to describe water that is without carbonation. In a restaurant setting, you may also use απλό νερό to refer to still water.
Meaning: water without carbonation (noun)
Which one should you use?
To ask for sparkling water instead of still water, replace the word μη (non) with με (with) to say με ανθρακούχο (with carbonation).
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is mi anthrakoúcho neró.
Did you know?
- The word νερό for 'water' comes from an ancient term meaning 'young' or 'fresh'. Originally it was part of the phrase νεαρὸν ὕδωρ, meaning 'fresh water'.
- In a Greek restaurant, if you simply say νερό, the waiter will almost always ask if you want it με (with) or χωρίς (without) carbonation.
- The word απλό in απλό νερό literally translates to 'simple' water, suggesting that sparkling water is more 'complex' or 'adorned'.
Examples in context
- Πώς θα γίνει τώρα το ψάρεμα χωρίς ήρεμο νερό;How will we fish now without still water?
Example conversation
Dimitris and Eleni are ordering drinks at a cafe.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΤι θα ήθελες να πιεις, Ελένη;Ti tha ítheles na pieis, Eléni?What would you like to drink, Eleni?
- Ελένη EleniΘα ήθελα ένα μη ανθρακούχο νερό, παρακαλώ.Tha íthela éna mi anthrakoúcho neró, parakaló.I would like a still water, please.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΚαι για μένα το ίδιο.Ke gia ména to ídio.And the same for me.
- Ελένη EleniΤέλεια, θα τα παραγγείλω τώρα.Télia, tha ta parangeílo tóra.Great, I will order them now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μη, νερό, CC BY-SA 4.0.
