French Phrase
Ça gaspille de l'eau.
Meaning
This phrase is used to point out the unnecessary loss or misuse of water. The verb 'gaspiller' specifically conveys the idea of squandering a resource that should be preserved. It is a common expression in both daily household life and environmental discussions.
When to use
Use this phrase to comment on a leaky tap, an inefficient appliance, or someone's wasteful habits. It is suitable for casual reminders among family or broader conversations about ecology.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çagaspillede l'eau
Ça
A demonstrative pronoun used as the subject, referring to the action or situation being discussed.
Gaspille
The third-person singular present tense of the verb 'gaspiller', meaning to waste or squander.
De l'
The partitive article used before a singular noun beginning with a vowel to indicate an unspecified quantity.
🗨In Conversation
Tu laisses couler l'eau pendant que tu te brosses les dents ?
Are you letting the water run while you brush your teeth?
Oh, tu as raison. Ça gaspille de l'eau.
Oh, you're right. It wastes water.
✕Common Mistakes
Ça gaspille d'eau.
You must use the partitive article 'de l' before 'eau' because it is an uncountable noun starting with a vowel.
C'est gaspille de l'eau.
Use 'Ça' as the subject to refer to a general action or situation rather than 'C'est' before a conjugated verb.
↔Alternatives
C'est du gaspillage d'eau.
It is a waste of water.
On perd de l'eau.
We are losing water.
Cultural Tip
France has strong public sentiment against 'le gaspillage' (waste) in various forms, including food and water. Being mindful of resource consumption is a significant part of French civic education and daily lifestyle.