Translation guide
The English word "parched" can describe extreme dryness of land, a very dry mouth or throat, or a strong desire for a drink. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing land or earth that is very dry, often due to heat or lack of rain.
Literally 'completely dried'. A common and natural way to describe parched land.
乾ききった大地がどこまでも続いていた。
The parched earth stretched on endlessly.
Means 'dried up', often used for rivers, lakes, or soil that has lost all moisture.
日照り続きで田んぼが干上がってしまった。
The rice paddies have become parched due to the continuing drought.
Means 'cracked', often implying dryness. Used for parched earth that has cracked.
ひび割れた地面に草一本生えていない。
Not a single blade of grass grows on the parched, cracked ground.
A more formal or technical term for 'dry/arid'. Used in weather reports or scientific contexts.
この地域は年間を通して乾燥した気候だ。
This region has a parched climate throughout the year.
Describing the uncomfortable feeling of a dry mouth or throat, often due to thirst, nerves, or illness.
An onomatopoeic expression meaning 'throat is parched/dry'. Very common and natural.
喉がカラカラで、冷たい水が飲みたい。
My throat is parched; I want to drink some cold water.
Literally 'mouth becomes dry'. A straightforward way to say your mouth is parched.
緊張して口の中が乾いてきた。
I got nervous and my mouth became parched.
The standard phrase for 'to be thirsty', but can also imply a parched throat.
喉が渇いて仕方がない。
My throat is so parched I can't stand it.
Expressing a strong desire for a drink, often alcohol, in a casual way.
A casual, idiomatic way to say 'I'm parched' meaning 'I really want a drink (alcohol)'.
仕事の後は一杯やりたい気分だ。
After work, I'm parched and feel like having a drink.
Exaggerated expression meaning 'I'm dying of thirst', used when you're very parched.
喉が渇いて死にそうだ。ビールをくれ！
I'm parched to death! Give me a beer!
Means 'I can't help wanting to drink', emphasizing a strong craving.
今日は暑くて、冷たいビールが飲みたくてたまらない。
It's so hot today, I'm absolutely parched for a cold beer.
The English word 'parched' is often used hyperbolically ('I'm parched!'). In Japanese, directly translating with 乾いた (kawaita) for a person's thirst sounds unnatural. Use 喉が渇いた (nodo ga kawaita) or 喉がカラカラ (nodo ga karakara) instead.