¿Tienes sed?
The English phrase "are you thirsty?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Tienes sed?
This phrase is used to ask if someone feels a need to drink water. In more formal or polite contexts, you might use ¿Le gustaría algo de beber? (Would you like something to drink?) or ¿Desea tomar algo para saciar su sed? (Do you want to have something to quench your thirst?).
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Tienes sed translates to "You have thirst" rather than "You are thirsty".
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask a group of people if they are thirsty, use ¿Tienen sed? When addressing a single person formally, use ¿Tiene sed?
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ¿Estás sediento? While this is a literal translation of "Are you thirsty?" using the adjective for thirst, it is unnatural.
When do people say it?
A natural response to being asked if you are thirsty is Sí, tengo sed (Yes, I am thirsty).
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for thirst, sed, is a linguistic 'doublet' of the word tisis, which refers to the disease 'phthisis' or tuberculosis.
- The adjective sediento is rarely used for physical thirst. Instead, it is frequently used metaphorically in literature and poetry to describe a spiritual or emotional craving.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, if you want to offer someone a drink without asking specifically about their thirst, you might use the phrase ¿Te apetece algo de beber?, which focuses more on 'desire' than the physical sensation.
Examples in context
- Hace mucho calor, ¿tienes sed?It is very hot, are you thirsty?
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are walking in the park.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes sed?Javier, are you thirsty?
- JavierSí, tengo mucha sed.Yes, I am very thirsty.
- MaríaTengo una botella de agua aquí.I have a bottle of water here.
- JavierMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, Maria.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sed, CC BY-SA 4.0.
