Translation guide
The physical need to drink, or a strong desire for something.
Expressing the need to drink water or other liquids.
Expressing a strong craving or longing for something, often abstract.
Do not directly translate 'thirst' as a standalone noun in physical contexts. Use 喉が渇く (のどがかわく) instead of saying 渇き (かわき) in casual conversation, as the latter sounds literary or abstract.
It's hot and I'm getting thirsty.
渇きを癒やす。
To quench one's thirst.
A strong noun meaning 'craving' or 'longing', often used for abstract things like knowledge or success.
A thirst for knowledge
Verb phrase meaning 'to thirst for ~'.
He thirsts for success.
Literally 'to starve for ~', used metaphorically for strong desire.
I'm thirsting for excitement.
A more general verb meaning 'to seek' or 'to desire', can be used for 'thirst for' in a less intense way.
He thirsts for the truth.