L’eau, d’eau or de l’eau? in French

Read more about how to use L'eau, d'eau or de l'eau? in French.
Feel the need to learn new grammar tips fast? Learn French online and test your grammar knowledge with Frantastique for free.

TEST YOUR FRENCH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 8 million learners worldwide

L'eau, d'eau or de l'eau?

• We say de l’eau when referring to an undefined quantity:

Je voudrais de l’eau fraîche. (On ne sait pas quelle quantité) I'd like some cold water (We don't know how much water)
Il y a de l’eau ? Is there any water?

D'eau is used in the following cases:

• When the quantity is defined:

Je voudrais un verre d’eau. (quantité = 1 verre) I'd like a glass of water.
Voici un litre d’eau Here is a litre of water.

• With adverbs of quantity:
Il y a beaucoup d’eau, un peu d’eau, trop d’eau, assez d’eau There is a lot of, a bit of, too much, enough water.
• With negative phrases:
Il n’y a pas d’eau There isn't any water.
• In certain noun and adjective phrases:

une chute d’eau, une trombe d’eau, plein d’eau, etc. a waterfall, a water spout, full of water, etc.

Note that we use the definite article l’ when we speak about water as an entity or 'all the water present'.

J’aime l’eau ! I like water!
L’eau de la rivière est sale The river water is dirty.
Tu as pris l'eau ? (= tu as pris toute l'eau prévue ?) Did you take the water? (= Did you take all the water?)

Still having trouble with 'L’eau, d’eau or de l’eau?'? Master the rules of French grammar and improve your French level thanks to our online French lessons Frantastique. We're offering a 7-day free trial, so what are you waiting for?



What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online French lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my French. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.


Looking to improve French for beginners? Frantastique provides effective and fun training!

Tips for learning 'L’eau, d’eau or de l’eau?'? Share them with us!

TEST YOUR FRENCH