Purpose – Testing of silicon nitride (Si3N4) or silicon carbide (SiC), sliding on itself in water, revealed that hydrodynamic lubrication can be obtained at low‐sliding velocity. The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of Si3N4‐metals pairs, sliding in water.Design/methodology/approach – Ball on disc unidirectional sliding tests are run with Si3N4 against tool steel, stainless steel and cast iron in water. The friction force is recorded continuously and the wear is evaluated at the end of the run by geometric technique. In addition, SiC sliding on itself in oxidant solution (3 per cent solution of CrO3 in water) is tested.Findings – The measured friction and wear of water‐lubricated Si3N4 against metals are higher compared to Si3N4 sliding on itself. At the end of the run‐in SiC, lubricated by the oxidant solution, obtains hydrodynamic lubrication and friction and wear are lower than in water‐lubricated SiC.Research limitations/implications – The experimental results obtained are valid withi...