A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Water please" in French
Politely ask for water in French at a restaurant or café.
De l'eau, s'il vous plaît.
duh LOH, SEEL voo PLEHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when you want to order still or sparkling water at a restaurant, café, or brasserie. It's the standard, polite way to make the request.
Alternatives
- Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît.Use this if you specifically want tap water from a carafe.
- Je voudrais de l'eau, s'il vous plaît.This is slightly more formal and translates to 'I would like water'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'eau'
The 'eau' sound is like the 'o' in 'go', not like 'ow'.
Forgetting 's' in 's'il'
The 's' in 's'il' is pronounced, it's not silent.
A small cultural note
In France, ordering 'de l'eau' often defaults to tap water unless you specify 'eau gazeuse' (sparkling water). Asking for a carafe is a clear way to get tap water.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What is the difference between 'de l'eau' and 'une carafe d'eau'?
'De l'eau' is a general request for water, which could be bottled or tap. 'Une carafe d'eau' specifically means a carafe of tap water.
Should I say 'tu' or 'vous' when ordering water?
Always use 'vous' when addressing restaurant staff, even if they seem young. It's the polite and standard form of address.
How do I ask for sparkling water?
You can say 'De l'eau gazeuse, s'il vous plaît.' 'Gazeuse' means sparkling.
