Italian Phrase
L'acqua è fredda.
Meaning
This sentence simply states that the water is cold. It can refer to a glass of water, a swimming pool, a river, or any other body of water whose temperature is being commented on.
When to use
Use it when you want to comment on the temperature of water in everyday situations—at a restaurant, while swimming, after a shower, or when talking about the weather and natural sources.
✦Grammar Breakdown
L'acquaèfredda
Elision with l'
When a feminine noun beginning with a vowel follows the definite article 'la', the article elides to l' (e.g., l'acqua).
Essere (è)
The verb 'essere' in the third‑person singular present tense is è, meaning 'is'.
Adjective agreement
Adjectives must match the gender and number of the noun they describe; 'fredda' is feminine singular to agree with 'acqua'.
🗨In Conversation
L'acqua è fredda.
The water is cold.
Sì, prendi qualcosa di caldo.
Yes, have something hot.
✕Common Mistakes
Il acqua è fredda.
The noun 'acqua' is feminine, so the correct article is 'l'' after elision, not the masculine 'il'.
L'acqua è freddo.
Adjectives must agree with the feminine noun 'acqua'; use 'fredda', not the masculine 'freddo'.
L'acqua fredda.
Avoid omitting the verb; the sentence needs the copula 'è' to be grammatical.
↔Alternatives
L'acqua è gelata.
The water is icy.
L'acqua è fresca.
The water is cool/fresh.
L'acqua è tiepida.
The water is lukewarm.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, water is often served at room temperature in restaurants, especially with meals. When you say 'L'acqua è fredda' you might be indicating a preference for colder drinking water or commenting on a swimming pool that feels chilly, which can be especially relevant in the summer months on the coast.