French Phrase
L'eau est chaude ?
Meaning
A simple yes‑or‑no question asking whether the water is hot. It can refer to tap water, bath water, soup, or any liquid whose temperature matters.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to check the temperature of water before drinking, cooking, taking a shower, or when a waiter asks if you’d like hot water for tea. It’s common in everyday conversation at home, in restaurants, or at a spa.
✦Grammar Breakdown
L'eauestchaude?
Elision (L')
The definite article "le" drops the vowel before a word that begins with a vowel or mute h, becoming "l'".
Noun gender (eau)
"eau" is a feminine noun, so any adjectives describing it must be in the feminine form.
Verb être (est)
"est" is the third‑person singular present of "être" and is used for "he/she/it is".
Adjective agreement (chaude)
Because "eau" is feminine, the adjective "chaud" adds an "e" to become "chaude".
Forming yes/no questions
In spoken French a rising intonation after a statement works; written forms include inversion (L'eau est‑elle chaude ?) or "est‑ce que".
🗨In Conversation
L'eau est chaude ?
Is the water hot?
Oui, elle est chaude.
Yes, it is hot.
✕Common Mistakes
Le eau est chaude ?
The article "le" must elide before a vowel, becoming "l'".
L'eau est chaud ?
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun "eau", so it should be "chaude".
Est‑tu l'eau chaude ?
"est‑tu" is never used; the correct verb form is "est" for third‑person singular.
↔Alternatives
L'eau est‑elle chaude ?
Is the water hot?
Est‑ce que l'eau est chaude ?
Is the water hot?
La température de l'eau est élevée ?
Is the water temperature high?
Cultural Tip
In French, you can ask the same question in three ways: a simple statement with rising intonation (as shown), inversion (L'eau est‑elle chaude ?), or with "est‑ce que". The inversion sounds a bit more formal, while "est‑ce que" is neutral. Remember that "chaude" must stay feminine; using the masculine "chaud" is a common slip for beginners.