In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to order or ask for a glass of water.
- Uses the verb 'lái' (to come) to mean 'bring me'.
- Works in restaurants, homes, and casual social settings.
Meaning
This is a direct, casual way to ask for a glass of water. It's like saying 'Give me a water' or 'I'll have a water' when you're at a restaurant or a friend's house.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering at a casual noodle shop
老板，来一杯水。
Boss, give me a glass of water.
During a business meeting
请给我来一杯水，谢谢。
Please bring me a glass of water, thank you.
Visiting a friend's apartment
我有点渴，来一杯水吧。
I'm a bit thirsty, let me have a glass of water.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, serving water is the most basic form of hospitality. Traditionally, this water is served hot or warm, as cold water is often seen as a shock to the digestive system. The use of 'lái' (come) as a verb for ordering is a hallmark of colloquial, everyday Mandarin.
The Temperature Surprise
If you just ask for water, don't be shocked if it's steaming hot. If you want ice water, you must specify 'bīng shuǐ' (冰水).
The 'Lái' Power Move
You can use 'Lái' for almost anything on a menu. 'Lái yí gè hóngshāo ròu' (Bring me one braised pork) makes you sound like a pro.
In 15 Seconds
- A casual way to order or ask for a glass of water.
- Uses the verb 'lái' (to come) to mean 'bring me'.
- Works in restaurants, homes, and casual social settings.
What It Means
来一杯水 is your go-to phrase for hydration. The word 来 (lái) literally means 'to come.' In a food context, it acts as a verb meaning 'bring me' or 'I'll have.' It is simple, punchy, and very common.
How To Use It
Think of it as a shortcut. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just say the phrase clearly. You can add 请 (qǐng) at the start to be polite. It works perfectly at restaurants or cafes. It also works when you are a guest at someone's home. Just don't forget to smile when you say it!
When To Use It
Use this when you are thirsty and need a quick fix. It is perfect for a waiter at a local diner. Use it with friends when you're hanging out. It’s also great during a long meeting when your throat gets dry. If you're at a bar but want to stay sober, this is your shield.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in extremely formal ceremonies. Don't bark it at a high-end gala without adding 'please.' If you are at a fancy tea ceremony, there are more poetic ways to ask. Also, if you want a specific type of water, like sparkling, specify that first. Otherwise, you might just get a cup of plain tap water.
Cultural Background
In China, water is the ultimate hospitality. If you visit a home, a glass of water is usually the first thing offered. Interestingly, if you don't specify, that water might be served hot! Chinese culture values warm water for health and digestion. Asking for 'water' is the most basic social interaction you can have. It’s the universal 'I’m here, let’s talk' signal.
Common Variations
You can swap out the drink easily. Want a beer? Say 来一杯啤酒 (lái yì bēi píjiǔ). Want tea? 来一杯茶 (lái yì bēi chá). If you want a bottle instead of a glass, swap 杯 (bēi) for 瓶 (píng). It’s like a Lego set for your thirst. Mastering this one structure opens up the whole menu for you.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-informal expression. It is perfectly acceptable in 90% of daily situations, but adding 'please' (qǐng) is recommended in professional environments.
The Temperature Surprise
If you just ask for water, don't be shocked if it's steaming hot. If you want ice water, you must specify 'bīng shuǐ' (冰水).
The 'Lái' Power Move
You can use 'Lái' for almost anything on a menu. 'Lái yí gè hóngshāo ròu' (Bring me one braised pork) makes you sound like a pro.
Watch the Tone
Because 'Lái' is a command, your tone matters. Keep it light and friendly so you don't sound like you're barking orders at the staff.
Examples
6老板，来一杯水。
Boss, give me a glass of water.
Using 'Boss' (Lǎobǎn) makes it sound like a local regular.
请给我来一杯水，谢谢。
Please bring me a glass of water, thank you.
Adding 'Qǐng' (please) and 'Xièxiè' (thanks) makes it professional.
我有点渴，来一杯水吧。
I'm a bit thirsty, let me have a glass of water.
The 'ba' at the end softens the request.
帮我来一杯水，好吗？
Help me get a glass of water, okay?
Very informal and slightly lazy/cute.
快！给我来一杯水！
Quick! Give me a glass of water!
The 'Kuài' (quick) adds urgency.
服务员，来一杯水！
Waiter, a glass of water please!
Used ironically among close friends.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct measure word for a glass of water.
来一___水。
‘杯’ (bēi) means cup or glass, which is the standard measure word for liquids in containers.
Which verb is used colloquially to mean 'bring me' or 'I'll have'?
___一杯水。
‘来’ (lái) is commonly used in restaurants and casual settings to order food or drinks.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Lái yì bēi shuǐ'
Used with friends or family.
来一杯水！
Standard for restaurants.
请来一杯水。
Slightly too blunt; better to use 'Qǐng gěi wǒ...'
请给我一杯水。
Where to use 'Lái yì bēi shuǐ'
Local Diner
Ordering with a meal
Friend's House
Asking for a drink
Office
During a break
Gym
After a workout
Practice Bank
2 exercises来一___水。
‘杯’ (bēi) means cup or glass, which is the standard measure word for liquids in containers.
___一杯水。
‘来’ (lái) is commonly used in restaurants and casual settings to order food or drinks.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn a dictionary, yes. But in a restaurant or social setting, it's a flexible verb used to mean 'bring me' or 'I'll have' like in 来一杯水.
It is neutral. To be extra polite, just add 请 (qǐng) at the beginning: 请来一杯水.
Just change the measure word from 杯 (bēi - cup) to 瓶 (píng - bottle). So, 来一瓶水.
Usually not! In China, room temperature or hot water is the default. Ask for 冰水 (bīng shuǐ) if you want it cold.
Absolutely. You can say 来一个炒饭 (lái yí gè chǎofàn) for 'I'll have a fried rice'.
It's a bit direct. In a professional setting, it's better to say 请给我一杯水 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ).
It means 'one cup.' 一 (yī) is one, and 杯 (bēi) is the measure word for cups or glasses.
Yes, it's very common. You can say 来一杯威士忌 (lái yì bēi wēishìjì) for a glass of whiskey.
In very casual settings, people might just say 水 (shuǐ) while gesturing, but 来一杯水 is much more natural and complete.
杯 (bēi) is for a glass or cup, while 瓶 (píng) is for a bottle. Use 杯 if you expect it in glassware.
Related Phrases
请给我一杯水
Please give me a glass of water (more formal).
我要一杯水
I want a glass of water (direct).
来一瓶水
Bring a bottle of water.
再来一杯
Another glass / One more.
