Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing thirst is most commonly done with the phrase 喉が渇いた (nodo ga kawaita), literally 'throat is dry'. Unlike English, it's not a state verb but a past-tense expression describing the current feeling. There are also more formal or written ways to express thirst.
Express that you are thirsty in casual or polite conversation.
The most natural way to say 'I'm thirsty'. Literally 'throat is dry', using the past tense of 渇く (kawaku). Use this in almost any situation.
喉が渇いたから、水をください。
I'm thirsty, so please give me some water.
Ah, I'm thirsty!
Polite form of 喉が渇いた. Use in formal situations or with strangers.
すみません、喉が渇いています。
Excuse me, I'm thirsty.
Emphasizes extreme thirst, like 'I'm parched'. カラカラ is an onomatopoeia for dryness.
喉がカラカラだよ。何か飲みたい。
I'm parched. I want something to drink.
Describe the state of being thirsty in a more descriptive or written context.
The verb 'to be dry/thirsty'. Often used in its ている form to describe current state. Can refer to throat or mouth.
Literally 'lacking water content'. A more clinical way to say you need hydration.
体が水分を欲している。
My body is craving water.
Express a strong desire or craving for something, similar to 'thirst for knowledge'.
Means 'to starve for' or 'to hunger/thirst for'. Used with nouns like 知識 (knowledge) or 愛情 (love).
彼は知識に飢えている。
He thirsts for knowledge.
Formal word for 'to crave, to thirst for'. Stronger and more literary than 飢える.
自由を渇望する。
To thirst for freedom.
Avoid saying 私は喉が渇いている (Watashi wa nodo ga kawaite iru) with the subject 'I'. Japanese naturally omits the subject when it's clear from context. Also, using the present progressive 渇いている is grammatically correct but less common in casual speech than the past tense 渇いた.
Thirst is usually expressed with 喉 (throat), not 口 (mouth). 口が渇く means 'mouth gets dry', which can be due to nervousness or medicine, not necessarily thirst for water.