Tap water
in SpanishAgua del grifo
/AH-gwah del GREE-foh/
The most standard textbook translation, commonly used in Spain and understood universally, though specific regions have their own local terms for 'faucet'.
Agua del grifo (or agua de la llave) refers to water that comes directly from the tap.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Agua de la llave
/AH-gwah deh lah YAH-beh/
The most common way to say it in Latin America. 'Llave' literally means 'key' but is used for 'faucet' or 'tap' in these regions.
Agua de la canilla
/AH-gwah deh lah kah-NEE-yah/
Specific to the Southern Cone region where the faucet is called 'la canilla'.
Agua de la pluma
/AH-gwah deh lah PLOO-mah/
A regional variation used in the Caribbean. 'Pluma' usually means 'feather' or 'pen', but here it refers to the tap.
Agua corriente
/AH-gwah coh-rry-EHN-teh/
Literally 'running water'. Often used to describe the utility service rather than a glass of water to drink.
Agua del chorro
/AH-gwah del CHOH-rroh/
A regional variation specific to parts of Central America.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
The word for 'tap' or 'faucet' changes depending on where you are. Here is a quick breakdown.
| Phrase | Region | Literal Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agua del grifo | Spain / Standard | Griffin/Tap | The standard dictionary term. |
| Agua de la llave | Mexico / Colombia / LatAm | Key | Most common in the Americas. |
| Agua de la canilla | Argentina / Uruguay | Shinbone/Tap | Specific to Rioplatense Spanish. |
| Agua de la pluma | Caribbean | Feather | Very regional slang. |
📈Difficulty Level
The words are simple, but 'llave' requires the 'y/j' sound (YAH-beh) and 'grifo' requires a light tap of the R.
Very simple noun phrases: Water + of + the + [faucet name].
Knowing WHERE it is safe to drink and WHICH word to use for 'faucet' is highly regional.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering which region uses 'llave' vs 'grifo'
- Overcoming the fear of asking if water is safe
💡Examples in Action
¿Es potable el agua del grifo aquí?
Is the tap water potable (safe to drink) here?
No me traiga botella, prefiero agua de la llave.
Don't bring me a bottle, I prefer tap water.
En mi casa no bebemos agua de la canilla.
In my house, we don't drink tap water.
Voy a llenar la jarra con agua de la pluma.
I'm going to fill the pitcher with tap water.
🌍Cultural Context
To Drink or Not to Drink?
In many Spanish-speaking countries (like Mexico, Brazil, and parts of Central/South America), tap water is not considered safe for drinking due to filtration issues. Locals rely on 'garrafones' (large 20L jugs) or bottled water. Always ask '¿Es potable?' (Is it drinkable?) before filling your glass from the sink.
Restaurant Etiquette
In the US or Europe, asking for tap water is standard and free. In many Latin American restaurants, if you ask for water, they will automatically bring you a bottle (and charge for it). Asking specifically for tap water might confuse the waiter if it's not customary to drink it in that region, or it might be seen as being very frugal.
The Many Names of the Faucet
The word for the physical object—the faucet—changes drastically by region. If you say 'grifo' in Argentina, they might understand you, but 'canilla' is the local word. In Mexico, 'llave' is the standard. It's one of those household items that shifts names every time you cross a border.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Assuming 'Agua' implies Tap Water
Mistake: "Ordering just 'agua' in a restaurant and expecting free tap water."
Correction: Specify 'agua del grifo' (if safe) or expect to pay for bottled water.
Using 'Grifo' Everywhere
Mistake: "Using the word 'grifo' in Latin America."
Correction: Use 'llave' for most of Latin America.
💡Pro Tips
The Safety Check
Before you worry about how to say 'tap water,' learn the phrase '¿El agua es potable?' (Is the water potable?). This is the most important question for a traveler to avoid getting sick.
Ordering in Restaurants
If you are in Spain where tap water is safe and common, you can ask for 'una jarra de agua del grifo' (a pitcher of tap water) to make it clear you want it for the table to share.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
In Spain, tap water is generally excellent quality (especially in Madrid) and commonly ordered in restaurants for free.
Mexico
Tap water is rarely drunk directly. People buy 'garrafones' (huge jugs). If you ask for 'agua de la llave' in a restaurant, they might look at you with concern.
Argentina/Uruguay
The word 'canilla' is iconic to this region. Water quality varies by city, but asking for 'agua de la canilla' is linguistically perfect here.
Puerto Rico/Caribbean
'Pluma' is a unique identifier for Caribbean Spanish in this context.
💬What Comes Next?
You ask for tap water in a restaurant
Aquí no servimos agua de la llave, solo embotellada.
We don't serve tap water here, only bottled.
Entiendo, tráigame una botella entonces.
I understand, bring me a bottle then.
Asking if water is safe at a hotel
Sí, el agua es potable.
Yes, the water is drinkable.
¡Gracias! ¿Tienen hielo también?
Thanks! Do you have ice too?
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, 'tap water' is a single concept. In Spanish, the phrase literally translates to 'water of the [faucet name]', and the name of the faucet changes by country. Also, the cultural expectation of free tap water in restaurants is not universal in Latin America.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Asking for 'agua gratis' can sound rude or cheap.
Use instead: Ask for 'agua de la casa' or 'agua del grifo' instead.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to ask for the bill
Once you finish your water and meal, you'll need to pay.
How to say I am thirsty
Expressing the physical need that leads to asking for water.
How to order food in a restaurant
Asking for water is usually part of the broader ordering process.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Tap water
Question 1 of 3
You are in a restaurant in Mexico City. You want water from the tap (assuming it's filtered). What do you ask for?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to ask for tap water in Spanish-speaking countries?
It is not rude, but in many Latin American countries, it is uncommon because tap water isn't always safe. In Spain, it is very common and perfectly polite. If you are in Latin America, waiters might assume you want bottled water for safety reasons.
What is the difference between 'agua mineral' and 'agua del grifo'?
'Agua del grifo' is tap water. 'Agua mineral' usually refers to bottled mineral water (which can be 'con gas' for sparkling or 'sin gas' for still).
How do I ask for water with no ice?
You can say 'sin hielo, por favor' (without ice, please). This is a good safety tip in areas where tap water isn't safe, as ice is often made from tap water.
Can I use 'agua del grifo' in Mexico?
You will be understood, as 'grifo' is a standard word, but it will sound foreign. 'Agua de la llave' is the natural way to say it there.
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