French Phrase
L'eau bout maintenant.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the water is boiling at this very moment. It is a straightforward, present‑tense statement often heard in kitchens or when describing a situation that is heating up.
When to use
Use it while cooking (e.g., when you need to add pasta or vegetables), when you want to signal that a process has reached its critical point, or metaphorically to say that a situation is getting intense.
✦Grammar Breakdown
L'eauboutmaintenant
Elision (L')
When a feminine noun beginning with a vowel follows the definite article "le", the article drops the "e" and becomes "l'" (e.g., le + eau → l'eau).
Bout (present of bouillir)
Bout is the third‑person singular present tense of the verb bouillir (to boil). It is used for liquids that are currently at the boiling point.
Maintenant (adverb of time)
Maintenant means "now" and is normally placed after the verb it modifies, though it can also appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
L'eau bout maintenant.
The water is boiling now.
Parfait, ajoute les pâtes.
Great, add the pasta.
✕Common Mistakes
L'eau boute maintenant.
The verb "bouillir" conjugates as "bout" in the third‑person singular present; "boute" is incorrect.
L'eau maintenant bout.
Adverbs of time usually follow the verb; placing "maintenant" before the verb sounds unnatural in this context.
↔Alternatives
L'eau est en train de bouillir.
The water is in the process of boiling.
L'eau commence à bouillir.
The water is starting to boil.
L'eau bout déjà.
The water is already boiling.
Cultural Tip
In French cooking, timing is crucial. Saying "L'eau bout maintenant" signals that you should act immediately—add ingredients, lower the heat, or turn off the stove. Remember that "bouillir" is only used for liquids; for non‑liquid things you would say "être en train de chauffer" or similar.