Washing Apples Before Dinner Easy English Dialogue

What does “tap” mean in English, and is it the same as “faucet”?

Tap is the British English word for the object in a kitchen or bathroom that you turn to get water. In American English, people say faucet instead. In the clip, a parent tells a child to wash apples “under the tap.” Both words mean the same object — only the country is different. If you are learning British English, use tap; if you are learning American English, use faucet.

You will also hear “tap water” (water from the tap, not from a bottle) in both British and American English — that one phrase crosses over. Australians and many other English speakers say tap too. In the clip, the parent says: “Apples need clean water... Rub gently... Under the tap,” and the child washes the apple there before it goes in the bowl.