Italian Phrase
Per me solo acqua, per favore.
Meaning
Literally, 'For me only water, please.' In everyday English it translates to 'Just water for me, please.' The phrase is a courteous way to ask for water when you’re ordering drinks.
When to use
Use this sentence in cafés, restaurants, or any place where drinks are served and you want to specify that you only want water. It works both in casual and slightly formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Permesoloacqua,perfavore.
Per (for)
The preposition *per* introduces the beneficiary of an action, similar to English 'for'.
me (me)
Pronoun *me* is the object form of *io* and follows *per* to mean 'for me'.
solo (only)
*Solo* is an adverb meaning 'only' or 'just' and modifies the noun that follows.
acqua (water)
*Acqua* is a feminine noun; the article is omitted when ordering a drink.
per favore (please)
A polite formula placed at the end of a request, literally 'for favor'.
🗨In Conversation
Cosa desidera da bere?
What would you like to drink?
Per me solo acqua, per favore.
Just water for me, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Per me sola acqua, per favore.
Learners sometimes replace *solo* with the adjective *sola*, which is incorrect because *solo* here is an adverb, not a noun.
Per me solo acqua.
Omitting *per favore* is not wrong, but it makes the request sound less polite, especially in formal settings.
Per me solo l'acqua, per favore.
Adding an article (*l'* or *una*) before *acqua* sounds unnatural when ordering drinks.
↔Alternatives
Solo acqua, per favore.
Only water, please.
Mi dia solo acqua, per favore.
Give me only water, please.
Vorrei solo acqua, per favore.
I would like only water, please.
Cultural Tip
In Italy water is usually offered as *acqua naturale* (still) or *acqua frizzante* (sparkling). If you have a preference, add it: *Per me solo acqua naturale, per favore.* Also, Italians often say *acqua, per favore* without the *solo*; the adverb is optional but adds emphasis that you don’t want any other drink.