पानी दे दो

You use this phrase when you are at a friend's house. You use it when sitting at a local dhaba. Just say the phrase clearly. You can point to a glass if you are nervous. If you want to be extra polite, add zara at the start. Zara paani de do sounds like 'Could you please give me some water?'. It softens the request. It makes you sound like a local who knows the social cues.

Use it when you are genuinely thirsty. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter passes by. Use it at home with your family. It is perfect for casual settings. If you are hiking and a friend has the bottle, say it. If you are visiting a neighbor, they will likely offer anyway. But if they don't, this phrase is your best friend. It is a functional, everyday tool for your Hindi toolkit.

Do not use this with your boss in a high-stakes meeting. It might sound a bit too casual there. Avoid using it with very elderly people you just met. For them, use paani dijiye instead. Dijiye is the more respectful version. Also, don't bark it like a command. Hindi is all about the tone. If you say it too fast or too loud, it sounds like an order. Keep your voice soft and friendly.

In India, offering water is a sacred duty. It is called Punya or a good deed. You will see 'Pyaaos' or free water stations on the streets. Guests are treated like gods, so water is the first thing offered. Even if you don't ask, someone will likely bring you a glass. It is a sign of hospitality and care. Sharing water is a way of connecting with others. It breaks the ice in almost any social situation.

If you want to be formal, say Paani dijiye. If you are with very close friends, you might say Paani dena. If you are in a rush, just Paani? with a questioning tone works. You might also hear Ek glass paani dena. This means 'Give one glass of water'. If you want cold water, say Thanda paani de do. In the summer heat, that 'Thanda' makes all the difference!