Requesting Water or a Drink Refill

Requesting Water or a Drink Refill

Learn how to politely ask your waiter for more water or a drink refill. Our simple phrases and dialogues are perfect for beginners who want to feel more confident in a restaurant.

SpeakItGo• FEATURED• 3 min

BEGINNER

Customer:
Excuse me. Can I have some more water?
Waiter:
Yes, of course. I'll get that for you.
Customer:
Thank you.
Waiter:
Here is your water. Is everything okay with your meal?
Customer:
Yes, it is very good, thank you.
Waiter:
Great. Please let me know if you need anything else.
Customer:
I will. Thank you.
Waiter:
You're welcome. Enjoy your meal.

Vocabulary

refill

To fill a glass or cup with a drink again.

  • Can I get a refill on my soda?
  • The waiter asked if we wanted a refill.
  • Refills are free here.

more

A greater or extra amount.

  • Can I have some more water?
  • I want more bread, please.
  • She needs more time.

Grammar Tip: Using 'Can I have...?'

The phrase 'Can I have...?' is a perfect way to ask for something politely. It's a simple and direct way to get what you need. For example, 'Can I have a refill?' or 'Can I have the bill?'

Common Mistakes

❌ Using 'another water'.

✅ Say 'some more water' or 'a glass of water.'

Saying 'another water' is not a common phrase. It's better to say 'some more water' or 'Can I have some water?' to sound more natural.

❌ Being unclear about what you need.

✅ Be specific. Say 'some more water' or 'a refill on my soda.'

Being specific helps the waiter know exactly what you need. It is a simple way to communicate clearly.

Notes for Learners

  • A simple 'Excuse me' is a good way to get the waiter's attention.
  • Use the phrase 'Can I have...?' to make your request.
  • Be ready for the waiter to ask if everything is okay with your meal.
  • Remember to say 'thank you' at the end of the conversation.

INTERMEDIATE

Customer:
Excuse me. Could we get a refill on our drinks, please?
Waiter:
Certainly. What would you like a refill of?
Customer:
I'd like a refill on the iced tea, and my friend would like some more water, please.
Waiter:
Okay. One iced tea refill and some more water. I'll be right back with those.
Customer:
Thank you so much. We appreciate it.
Waiter:
My pleasure. Enjoy the rest of your meal.

Vocabulary

refill

To fill up a glass or cup again.

  • The waiter offered a refill on my drink.
  • Can I get a free refill?
  • The refill on my soda was very quick.

iced tea

A cold drink made from tea with ice.

  • I'll have a glass of iced tea, please.
  • This is the best iced tea I've ever had.
  • Would you like lemon in your iced tea?

Grammar Tip: Using 'Could we...?'

The phrase 'Could we...?' is a polite and slightly more formal way to ask for something. It is great for when you are with a friend or a group. For example, 'Could we get the bill?' or 'Could we have more water?'

Common Mistakes

❌ Using 'more drink'.

✅ Use a specific name of the drink, like 'more water' or 'a refill on my soda.'

'More drink' is not a natural way to say it. Being specific is better. 'Refill' is a common term for certain drinks like iced tea or soda.

❌ Not being polite enough.

✅ Add 'please' and 'thank you' and use a polite phrase like 'Could we get...' or 'I'd like...'

Using these polite phrases shows that you are a respectful guest. They are a key part of intermediate English.

Notes for Learners

  • Be ready to specify which drinks you need refills for.
  • Listen for the waiter's questions, like 'What would you like a refill of?'
  • Use a polite phrase like 'Could we get a refill...?'
  • Remember to thank the waiter for their help and politeness.

ADVANCED

Customer:
Excuse me. I apologize for the interruption, but whenever you have a moment, we would appreciate it if you could bring us some additional water.
Waiter:
Not at all. I'll take care of that for you right away. And would anyone like a beverage refill as well?
Customer:
Yes, I would. Could I get a refill on my iced tea, please? My companion is all set for now.
Waiter:
Perfect. One iced tea and additional water coming right up.
Customer:
Thank you for your prompt attention to this. We really appreciate it.
Waiter:
My pleasure. It's a pleasure to serve you.

Vocabulary

additional

An extra amount of something.

  • Could we have some additional water?
  • The recipe calls for an additional cup of flour.
  • There will be an additional charge for the extra toppings.

beverage

A formal word for a drink.

  • Would you like a beverage to start?
  • The menu offers a wide selection of beverages.
  • I'd like a refill on my beverage.

Grammar Tip: Using 'We would appreciate it if you could...'

This phrase is a very formal and polite way to make a request. It shows a high level of respect and is perfect for advanced learners. It's a great way to sound more professional and polite.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using simple phrases when a more formal one is suitable.

✅ Use more polite and formal phrases like 'I apologize for the interruption, but whenever you have a moment...' to be more respectful.

These phrases show a higher level of fluency and politeness. They acknowledge that the waiter might be busy and that you are not demanding immediate service.

❌ Not being specific about who needs a refill.

✅ If you are with a group, state who needs what. For example, 'I would like a refill, and my companion is all set for now.'

This shows that you are a clear and concise communicator. It makes the waiter's job easier and shows a higher level of social awareness.

Notes for Learners

  • Use formal phrases to start your request, like 'I apologize for the interruption.'
  • Be ready for the waiter to use formal vocabulary like 'beverage' or 'prompt attention.'
  • Acknowledge the waiter's service with a phrase like 'We really appreciate it.'
  • The goal for an advanced learner is to not just get what they need, but to have a smooth and polite conversation that makes the waiter feel respected.