Does anyone know the correct phrase to use in italian to order non-carbonated water? I actually speak enough italian to get by, but in italian classes they never seem to teach you the really useful phrases that you need to know. I have heard that the phrase is "non gas", but this doesn't actually sound italian to me. Is this right? I also remember seeing bottled water labled "non frizzante", and usually this was the water I wanted, but one time that water had bubbles. So I don't know if the water was mislabled, or if "non frizzante" means something else altogether. If someone can help me, I would appreciate it. I learned my italian in a music conservatory, but somehow operatic italian isn't very helpful in everyday life! Thanks.

Try "senza" gas...that might do it.

It was actually the word "gas" that I was wondering about.

Non gassatta is the phrase you need

Just checked with the Italian department here..."acqua senza gas"

When I was Italy, I noticed that the bottles of water were labelled either (I don't recall correct spelling, but these are the words) aqua frissante (with bubbles) or aqua naturale (no bubbles). Every restaurant I ate in knew what I meant when I used either phrase.

Acqua senza gas will do it. Or if you are an idiot like me, and keep lapsing into highschool spanish, aqua sin gas also works!

Naturale, has always worked for me.

<BR>Cheryl, <BR>the most correct expression is acqua minerale naturale. You'll get bottled <BR>water with no gas. If you say only acqua naturale you may get tap water. Acqua senza gas may be actually understood but it's more Spanish than Italian (agua sin gas). <BR>Acqua frizzante or acqua gasata mean carbonated water. There is one exception though, Ferrarelle, which is a brand of water moderately carbonated as the bubbles are something natural from the spring and not added.

How about "aqua non gasata"?

"Naturale" works, as in "Acqua Naturale, per favore"; also, "sans gas" works. <BR>Alternatively if you DO want fizzy water, then "con gas" is what you say. And of course, whatever you want, say it with your best Italiana accent (and your pleases & gratzies). <BR>

Cheryl, <BR> <BR>When I was in Italy I found that every Italian waiter knew the phrase "no gas" and they usually ask "gas or no gas." It's great to be able to speak a few words of the local language and people are always pleased at the attempt but if you forget your proper Italian expressions for plain mineral water just resort to English and you'll be understood. <BR> <BR>Have a great time! <BR>