sparkling water

Meaning

This term refers to water that contains carbon dioxide gas, making it bubbly or fizzy. It is a popular alternative to still (non-fizzy) water in restaurants and homes. You will often be asked to choose between this and 'still water' when dining out.

Examples

• Would you prefer still or sparkling water?

  Would you prefer still or sparkling water?

• I love drinking cold sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

  I love drinking cold sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

• Is this sparkling water, or is it just regular tap water?

  Is this sparkling water, or is it just regular tap water?

• I ordered a bottle of sparkling water for the table.

  I ordered a bottle of sparkling water for the table.

• Some people find sparkling water more refreshing than flat water.

  Some people find sparkling water more refreshing than flat water.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want a gas water, please.

  ✓ I want a sparkling water, please.

  Translating directly from languages where it is 'water with gas' is incorrect in English. Use 'sparkling water' or 'carbonated water'.

• ✗ Do you have bubbly water?

  ✓ Do you have sparkling water?

  While 'bubbly water' is sometimes understood in very casual contexts, 'sparkling water' is the standard, polite term used in restaurants.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Would you like still or ___ with your meal?

  💡 Water with carbonation or bubbles.

  Show answer

  sparkling water

• I prefer ___ because the bubbles make it feel like soda but without the sugar.

  💡 Fizzy water.

  Show answer

  sparkling water