la flotte
slang, casual
The common slang word for water in French is la flotte. The standard word is l'eau, which you should use in a restaurant or any formal setting.
Meaning: water (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| la flotte | slang, casual |
| l'eau | standard |
La flotte is casual and can also mean rain or a body of water, as in Il tombe de la flotte.
Which one should you use?
Do not confuse la flotte with the same-sounding word for a fleet of ships. The context tells which one is meant.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Ordering de la flotte at a restaurant sounds jokey. For a glass of water ask for un verre d'eau.
Did you know?
- In French slang la flotte is used for water in general, and la pluie is the plain word for rain.
Examples in context
- Passe-moi la flotte, j'ai soif.Pass me the water, I am thirsty.
- Il y a de la flotte partout dans la cuisine.There is water all over the kitchen.
- Un verre d'eau, s'il vous plaît.A glass of water, please.
Example conversation
Hugo and his friend Léa finish a run together.
- HugoJ'ai trop soif. T'as de la flotte ?I am so thirsty. Do you have any water?
- LéaOui, la bouteille est dans mon sac.Yes, the bottle is in my bag.
- HugoMerci, tu me sauves la vie.Thanks, you save my life.
