A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Still water" in French
Order still water in French restaurants and cafés. Specify 'eau plate' for non-carbonated water.
Eau plate
oh PLATTneutral
French TTS · 0:01
When ordering a bottle of water at a restaurant or café, ask for 'une carafe d'eau plate' if you want tap water, or 'une bouteille d'eau plate' for bottled still water.
Alternatives
- Eau sans gazThis is more descriptive and less common than 'eau plate'.
- Eau du robinetUse this specifically for tap water, which is usually free.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 't' in 'plate'
The final 't' in 'plate' is silent, so it sounds like 'pla'.
Confusing 'plate' and 'pâte'
'Pâte' means dough or paste, so be sure to say 'plate' for water.
A small cultural note
While 'eau plate' is standard, some regions might use slightly different phrasing. Tap water ('eau du robinet') is very common and often preferred by locals unless a specific bottled brand is requested.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between eau plate and eau gazeuse?
'Eau plate' means still or non-carbonated water. 'Eau gazeuse' means sparkling or carbonated water.
How do I ask for tap water?
You can ask for 'une carafe d'eau plate' or simply 'une carafe d'eau', which implies tap water.
Is bottled water expensive in France?
Bottled water can be more expensive than tap water, especially in tourist areas. Tap water is perfectly safe and free.
