Tap water
TAP WAW-ter /tæp ˈwɔːtə/
Neutral Polite
What it really means
Water from the tap — free and safe to drink everywhere in the UK. Restaurants that serve alcohol must give free tap water if you ask. Saying "just tap water, please" is completely normal, not rude or cheap.
Chinese explanation
自来水——在英国各地都可以放心直饮，而且免费。有酒牌的餐厅按规定必须应要求提供免费自来水。说"just tap water, please"非常正常，不丢人也不失礼。
Example conversation
A: Any drinks?
B: A jug of tap water for the table, please.
A：需要饮料吗？
B：请给这桌来一壶自来水，谢谢。
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake