Signification
A request for a drink.
Contexte culturel
Tap water is generally not drunk untreated. Always ask for bottled water in restaurants. Mineral water (like Borjomi) is a point of national pride and often served by default if you ask for 'voda'. Tea is often served for free, but you may have to pay for cold water. It is often served in a 'piala' (small bowl) rather than a glass. Similar to Russia, the distinction between 'gazovana' and 'negazovana' is the first thing a waiter will ask.
The 'O' Rule
Remember that unstressed 'O' in Russian sounds like 'A'. So it's 'Vah-da', not 'Voh-da'.
Free Water?
In Russia, 'Water, please' almost always results in a paid bottle. Free tap water is rare in restaurants.
Signification
A request for a drink.
The 'O' Rule
Remember that unstressed 'O' in Russian sounds like 'A'. So it's 'Vah-da', not 'Voh-da'.
Free Water?
In Russia, 'Water, please' almost always results in a paid bottle. Free tap water is rare in restaurants.
The Accusative Shortcut
If you want to sound more native, try saying 'Vodu' (Воду) instead of 'Voda'.
Sparkling is Default
If you don't specify 'bez gaza', you might get sparkling water by default in some regions.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
______, пожалуйста.
'Вода' means water, which completes the request.
Which phrase is the most natural way to order water in a cafe?
You are at a cafe and want water. You say:
This is the standard, polite, and neutral way to order.
Match the Russian word to its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are the key components of ordering water.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Официант: Что будете пить? Вы: ________, пожалуйста.
The waiter asks what you want to drink; 'Вода' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Water in Russia
Types
- • Без газа (Still)
- • С газом (Sparkling)
- • Минеральная (Mineral)
- • Из-под крана (Tap)
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______, пожалуйста.
'Вода' means water, which completes the request.
You are at a cafe and want water. You say:
This is the standard, polite, and neutral way to order.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the key components of ordering water.
Официант: Что будете пить? Вы: ________, пожалуйста.
The waiter asks what you want to drink; 'Вода' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, without 'пожалуйста', it sounds like a command. Always add the 'please'.
At A1, 'Вода' is fine. Technically, 'Воду' is more correct as a direct object, but everyone will understand you.
Say 'Вода из-под крана'. But be careful, it's not always safe to drink!
Say 'Горячая вода, пожалуйста'. This is common if you want to make your own tea.
Yes! It's a multi-purpose word for both 'please' and 'you're welcome'.
It's a result of phonetic reduction over centuries. Most Russians don't pronounce it at all.
Yes, but you can be more specific: 'Бутылку воды, пожалуйста'.
Not as common as in the US. You usually have to ask for ice specifically ('со льдом').
It's a very common slang term for mineral water. You'll hear it everywhere.
The most common way is 'вода без газа' (water without gas).
Expressions liées
Чай, пожалуйста
similarTea, please
Счёт, пожалуйста
builds onThe bill, please
Без газа
specialized formWithout gas
Со льдом
specialized formWith ice
Минералка
synonymMineral water
