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agua means water — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 29, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

agua

noun • /[AH-gwah]/

water

Example:

Bebe mucha agua.

Drink plenty of water.

🧠 What does agua mean?

The Spanish word 'agua' is a common and fundamental noun that translates directly to 'water' in English. It refers to the essential liquid substance vital for life, found in rivers, lakes, oceans, and also as a beverage. As a feminine noun, it is one of the few that begins with a stressed 'a' sound and uses the masculine singular definite article 'el' for phonetic reasons, though it is still grammatically feminine (e.g., el agua fría, not *el agua fría).

📚 Extra examples

  • Necesito beber más agua para mantenerme hidratado.
    I need to drink more water to stay hydrated.
  • El agua del mar está muy fría hoy.
    The sea water is very cold today.
  • ¿Podrías traerme un vaso de agua, por favor?
    Could you bring me a glass of water, please?
  • Las plantas necesitan agua para crecer.
    Plants need water to grow.
  • El calor me da mucha sed, quiero agua.
    The heat makes me very thirsty, I want water.

💡 Did You Know?

Although 'agua' is a feminine noun, it is one of the few feminine nouns that begin with a stressed 'a' sound. To avoid the awkward repetition of the 'a' sound (e.g., 'la agua'), Spanish grammar dictates the use of the masculine singular definite article 'el' before it (el agua). However, when it is plural (las aguas) or preceded by other articles or adjectives, its feminine nature is evident.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "agua"

Synonyms: líquido, hídrico
Opposites: fuego, tierra

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'water' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'water' is 'agua'.
How do you pronounce 'agua' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'agua' is 'AH-gwah'. The 'a' sounds are similar to the 'a' in 'father', and the 'gu' sound is like the 'gw' in 'Gwen'.
How do you use 'agua' in a sentence?
'Agua' is used in sentences to refer to the substance itself, as a drink, or in its natural forms like rivers or oceans. For example: 'Quiero agua' (I want water) or 'El agua del río' (The river water).
What is the English translation of 'agua'?
The English translation of 'agua' is 'water'.
Does 'agua' change for gender or number?
'Agua' is a feminine noun, but it takes the masculine singular article 'el' (el agua) when singular for ease of pronunciation due to the initial stressed 'a'. It remains feminine in its plural form, using 'las aguas' (the waters). Adjectives modifying it also agree in gender, for example, 'agua fría' (cold water) even though it uses 'el'.
Is 'agua' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'agua' is one of the most common and essential words in everyday Spanish, as water is a universal necessity.
Does 'agua' have slang or double meanings?
While 'agua' primarily means water, in some contexts, it can be used figuratively, for example, 'tener agua pasada' (to have water under the bridge), referring to past events. However, it does not typically carry strong slang or offensive double meanings.
Is 'agua' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and primary use of 'agua' are consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional differences might arise in specific phrases or idioms involving water, but the core word 'agua' remains the same.

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