请给我一杯水
qǐng gěi wǒ yí bēi shuǐ.
A glass of water, please · trad. 請給我一杯水
请给我一杯水 (qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ) is a polite and common way to ask for a glass of water. It is frequently used when ordering at a restaurant or making a request in someone's home.
What does 请给我一杯水 (qǐng gěi wǒ yí bēi shuǐ.) mean?
请给我一杯水 (qǐng gěi wǒ yí bēi shuǐ.) means “a glass of water, please” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “Please give me a cup of water.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. This phrase is suitable for most situations. For a more direct, less polite request, one might say “我要一杯水” (wǒ yào yì bēi shuǐ).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “ching GAY woh ee BAY shway.” The character “一” (yī) changes its tone to “yì” when followed by a fourth tone, as in “一杯” (yì bēi).
Other ways to say it
- 请给我一杯咖啡qǐng gěi wǒ yí bēi kāfēi.A cup of coffee, please.
- 请给我一些水qǐng gěi wǒ yī xiē shuǐ.Some water, please.
- 我要一杯水wǒ yào yí bēi shuǐ.I want a glass of water. (more direct)
Examples
服务员，请给我一杯水。
fúwùyuán, qǐng gěi wǒ yí bēi shuǐ.
Waiter, a glass of water, please.
我有点渴，请给我一杯水。
wǒ yǒu diǎn kě, qǐng gěi wǒ yí bēi shuǐ.
I'm a bit thirsty, a glass of water, please.
你想喝什么？请给我一杯茶。
nǐ xiǎng hē shénme? qǐng gěi wǒ yí bēi chá.
What would you like to drink? A cup of tea, please.
Pro tip: The character “一” (yī) has a special tone change rule: it becomes “yì” when followed by a fourth tone, as in “一杯” (yì bēi), and “yí” when followed by a first, second, or third tone.
Related phrases
我要订位 · I'd like to book a table请给我筷子 · Chopsticks, please我们的菜还没来 · Our food hasn't come yet
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