请给我水
qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ
The English phrase "water please" is translated into Chinese as 请给我水 (qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ).
请给我水 is a polite request used to ask someone to provide water. While this phrase is grammatically correct, it can sound slightly blunt or like a direct command in settings such as a restaurant. To make the request sound smoother and more natural, it is common to include a measure word to specify the amount or container, such as 一杯水 (a glass of water).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 请给我水 is composed of the following parts: 请 (please), 给 (give), 我 (me) and 水 (water).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request more specific and natural, you can add a measure word between the verb and the noun. For example, adding 一杯 (one glass) to create 请给我一杯水 changes the phrase to "please give me a glass of water". Other measure words include 瓶 for bottles and 碗 for bowls.
How do you pronounce it?
qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ
Did you know?
- In many parts of China, if you ask for 水, you might be served warm water rather than ice water. It is a common cultural belief that drinking cold water is bad for digestion.
- The word 水 (water) is used in Chinese slang to describe something that is 'watery' or lacks substance, such as a poorly written exam or a boring movie.
- The character 水 (water) is a pictograph that originally looked like a flowing stream with ripples on the sides.
Examples in context
- 请给我一杯水。Please give me a glass of water.
- 当然，请稍等片刻。Of course, please wait a moment.
- 请给我一杯水吧。Please give me a glass of water, okay?
- 好的，马上给你。Sure, I'll get it for you right away.
Example conversation
Yuting is at a restaurant and speaks to the waiter Junjie.
- 雨婷 Yuting服务员，请给我水。Fúwùyuán, qǐng gěi wǒ shuǐ.Waiter, water please.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，马上就来。Hǎo de, mǎshàng jiù lái.Okay, coming right up.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你，俊杰。Xièxiè nǐ, Jùnjié.Thank you, Junjie.
- 俊杰 Junjie不客气，雨婷。Bù kèqì, Yǔtíng.You're welcome, Yuting.
