still water

Meaning

Still water refers to regular drinking water that does not have any gas or bubbles in it. It is the opposite of sparkling or carbonated water. You use this term when ordering water in restaurants, cafes, or hotels to specify your preference.

Examples

• Could we get a bottle of still water for the table, please?

  Could we get a bottle of still water for the table, please?

• I prefer still water over sparkling water because bubbles hurt my stomach.

  I prefer still water over sparkling water because bubbles hurt my stomach.

• Is the still water from a bottle or is it tap water?

  Is the still water from a bottle or is it tap water?

• She bought a large bottle of cold still water at the convenience store.

  She bought a large bottle of cold still water at the convenience store.

• The waiter asked if we wanted still water or sparkling water.

  The waiter asked if we wanted still water or sparkling water.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want a no-bubble water.

  ✓ I want still water.

  Learners often translate literally from their native language. In English, non-carbonated water is called 'still water' or 'flat water' (if it lost its fizz), but 'still water' is the standard polite term.

• ✗ Can I have a glass of quiet water?

  ✓ Can I have a glass of still water?

  'Quiet' is not used to describe water without bubbles. The correct adjective is 'still'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Would you like sparkling or ___ water with your meal?

  💡 Water without bubbles.

  Show answer

  still

• I always buy ___ water because I do not like carbonated drinks.

  💡 Non-carbonated water.

  Show answer

  still