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PhrasesAt the GymMi serve dell'acqua.
A1informal

Mi serve dell'acqua.

I need some water.

Pronunciation

'Acqua' = AK-kwa. The double 'cq' produces a longer, harder sound.

When to use it

Use this mid-workout when you're running low on water and looking for a water fountain or asking someone to pass your bottle. Also useful at the bar/café area of the gym.

What it means

'Mi serve' is a polite way of saying 'I need' (literally 'it serves me'). 'Dell'acqua' uses the partitive article 'del/della' to indicate 'some water'. This construction is gentler than 'Ho bisogno di acqua'.

Variations

Dov'è la fontanella?

Where is the water fountain?

Asking for the drinking fountain location.

Hai dell'acqua?

Do you have some water?

Asking another gym-goer.

Vendete bottiglie d'acqua?

Do you sell water bottles?

At the gym's bar or reception.

Mini Dialogue

— Mi serve dell'acqua. Sai dov'è la fontanella? — Sì, è in fondo al corridoio, vicino agli spogliatoi. — Grazie. L'ho finita tutta. — Ci sono anche distributori automatici se vuoi.

— I need some water. Do you know where the water fountain is? — Yes, it's at the end of the corridor, near the changing rooms. — Thanks. I drank it all. — There are also vending machines if you want.

Cultural Note

Italians are very particular about water quality. Many prefer 'acqua naturale' (still) over sparkling at the gym. Some Italian gym-goers bring large 1.5-litre bottles from home rather than relying on fountains, which is seen as responsible hydration practice.