Signification
Politely requesting a glass of water.
Contexte culturel
When someone brings you water, it is customary to say 'Su gibi aziz ol' (Be as precious as water). This is a deep blessing reflecting the value of water. In villages, it is common to offer water to any stranger passing by. Refusing water can sometimes be seen as refusing a blessing. Water was served in 'Selsebil' fountains and special carafes. The etiquette of drinking water was taught as part of general manners (adab). In restaurants, water is often brought to the table automatically, but it is usually bottled and charged. Asking for a 'glass' might imply tap water, which is less common to drink in cities.
The 'Bi' Shortcut
Native speakers almost always say 'Bi' instead of 'Bir' in this phrase. 'Bi' bardak su...'
Wait for the 'Aziz' response
If an older person says 'Su gibi aziz ol' after you bring them water, just smile or say 'Teşekkür ederim'.
Signification
Politely requesting a glass of water.
The 'Bi' Shortcut
Native speakers almost always say 'Bi' instead of 'Bir' in this phrase. 'Bi' bardak su...'
Wait for the 'Aziz' response
If an older person says 'Su gibi aziz ol' after you bring them water, just smile or say 'Teşekkür ederim'.
Don't just say 'Su!'
Even if you are in a hurry, 'Su!' is considered very rude. Always use the full phrase or at least 'Bir su lütfen'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
Bir ______ su alabilir miyim?
'Bardak' means glass, which is the standard container for water.
Which of the following is the most polite way to ask for water?
Su istemek için en kibar yol hangisidir?
The use of the potential mood (-abilir) and the question form makes it the most polite option.
Complete the dialogue between a guest and a host.
Misafir: Çok susadım. ______? Ev Sahibi: Tabii, hemen getiriyorum.
This is the most natural and polite way for a guest to ask for water.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a formal dinner and need water.
'Rica edebilir miyim' is the most appropriate for a formal dinner.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Politeness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBir ______ su alabilir miyim?
'Bardak' means glass, which is the standard container for water.
Su istemek için en kibar yol hangisidir?
The use of the potential mood (-abilir) and the question form makes it the most polite option.
Misafir: Çok susadım. ______? Ev Sahibi: Tabii, hemen getiriyorum.
This is the most natural and polite way for a guest to ask for water.
Situation: You are at a formal dinner and need water.
'Rica edebilir miyim' is the most appropriate for a formal dinner.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you can say 'Bir su alabilir miyim?' and it is perfectly natural. 'Bardak' just makes it more specific.
Yes! Just replace 'su' with 'çay' (tea), 'kahve' (coffee), or 'meyve suyu' (juice).
'Alabilir miyim' means 'Can I take/receive' and 'Verebilir misiniz' means 'Can you give'. Both are polite, but 'alabilir miyim' is slightly more common for requests.
In most major cities, people prefer bottled water. If you ask for water in a restaurant, they will likely bring a bottle.
Say 'Soğuk bir bardak su alabilir miyim?'.
Say 'Buzsuz olsun, lütfen' (Let it be without ice, please).
Not at all! However, a Turkish host will usually offer it before you even have to ask.
'Aziz' means precious, holy, or esteemed. It's a very high compliment.
Yes, it's perfectly fine. If you want to be even more casual, you can say 'Bi' su versene'.
The 'miyim' already contains the 'I' (-(y)im), so the verb stays in the base potential form 'alabilir'.
Expressions liées
Su rica ediyorum
similarI am requesting water.
Bir şişe su
specialized formA bottle of water.
Susadım
builds onI am thirsty.
Afiyet olsun
contrastBon appetit / Enjoy it.
