bebe muchos líquidos
/bebe mut͡ʃos likidos/from spelling rules
To say "drink lots of fluids" in Spanish, you say bebe muchos líquidos.
This is a piece of medical advice to consume a large amount of water or other liquids to stay hydrated.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase muchos líquidos literally translates to "many liquids" or "lots of liquids."
Which one should you use?
The form bebe muchos líquidos is an informal command, while beba muchos líquidos is the formal or polite version. To address a group of people, use beban muchos líquidos. For written instructions like medical charts or prescriptions, the infinitive form beber muchos líquidos is often used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes based on who you are addressing: use bebe for an informal singular person, beba for a formal/polite singular person and beban when the advice is directed at a group. The infinitive beber muchos líquidos can be used in written medical documentation.
Did you know?
- The imperative form bebe is spelled exactly like the Spanish word for 'baby', which is bebé, but differs by a single accent mark.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, doctors may specifically suggest aguas de tiempo or herbal infusions rather than just plain water when advising a patient to drink fluids.
- In many Latin American countries, the verb tomar is preferred over beber because it covers both the act of drinking a liquid and the act of taking medicine.
Examples in context
- Es importante que consuma muchos líquidos para mantenerse hidratado durante la fiebre.It's important for you to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated during the fever.
- Bebe muchos líquidos para recuperarte pronto.Drink lots of fluids to recover quickly.
- Si tienes fiebre, bebe muchos líquidos.If you have a fever, drink lots of fluids.
Example conversation
Daniel is giving medical advice to María because she feels unwell.
- DanielMaría, te sientes mal, ¿verdad?María, you feel unwell, right?
- MaríaSí, me duele mucho la cabeza.Yes, my head hurts a lot.
- DanielBebe muchos líquidos y descansa un poco.Drink lots of fluids and rest a little.
- MaríaGracias, Daniel, lo haré.Thanks, Daniel, I will do that.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bebe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
