acqua, per favore
/ˈak.kwa per faˈvo.re/word by word
“Water, please” in Italian is acqua, per favore.
This phrase is a polite way to request a glass or bottle of water. Although it is grammatically a fragment, it is a standard and polite way to order water in a restaurant or cafe.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of “water, please”, where per favore means “for favor”.
Which one should you use?
While acqua, per favore is the standard request, you may also hear un'acqua, per favore, which translates to “a water, please”. Adding the indefinite article is a very common way to order in a restaurant setting.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Italians use the expression acqua in bocca! literally meaning 'water in the mouth' to tell someone to keep a secret.
- If you ask for acqua in an Italian restaurant without specifying 'naturale' or 'frizzante', the waiter will almost certainly ask you which one you prefer.
- The Italian term for 'sparkling water', acqua frizzante, literally translates to 'frizzy water' in English.
Examples in context
- Acqua, per piacere.Water, please.
- Un bicchiere d'acqua, per favore.A glass of water, please.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are sitting at a restaurant.
- GiuliaAlessandro, puoi chiedere l'acqua, per favore?Alessandro, can you ask for the water, please?
- AlessandroCerto, chiamo subito il cameriere.Of course, I'll call the waiter right away.
- AlessandroScusi, una bottiglia d'acqua, per favore.Excuse me, a bottle of water, please.
- GiuliaGrazie mille, Alessandro.Thank you very much, Alessandro.
