J'ai soif
The French phrase for "I am thirsty" is J'ai soif.
A person says J'ai soif to express a physical need to drink water or other liquids.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have thirst" rather than "I am thirsty."
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the verb "to have" is used instead of "to be" to express thirst. To say "you are thirsty" to one person informally, use Tu as soif. For the third-person singular, use Elle a soif for "she is thirsty". For the third-person plural, use Ils ont soif for a masculine or mixed group of people and Elles ont soif for a feminine-only group.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say Je suis soif by using the verb "to be" (être).
Did you know?
- The spelling of soif is a bit of a historical oddity. The final 'f' was likely added to the Old French 'seif' to prevent it from being confused with the words 'soit' or 'soi'.
- French uses the same logic for other physical sensations, such as saying J'ai faim for 'I am hungry' or J'ai chaud for 'I am hot'.
- The phrase avoir soif can be used figuratively to express a desperate longing for something, such as avoir soif de liberté meaning 'to thirst for freedom'.
Examples in context
- J'ai soif. Je voudrais une tasse de café.I am thirsty. I would like to have a cup of coffee.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express thirst alongside a request for coffee using J'ai soif.Tatoeba #4450417 by franlexcois, translation #35764 by CK
- J'ai soif.I am thirsty.This is a simple way to state that you are thirsty using J'ai soif.Tatoeba #3636 by TRANG, translation #1545871 by gleki
- Maintenant j'ai soif.Now I am thirsty.This shows how to indicate that you are currently feeling thirsty using J'ai soif.Tatoeba #5429492 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5429479 by Seael
- Vous pouvez m'apporter un verre d'eau s'il vous plaît? J'ai soif.Could you bring me a glass of water, please? I am thirsty.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are hiking on a hot day.
- LéaJ'ai soif, Nathan.I am thirsty, Nathan.
- NathanMoi aussi, j'ai très soif.Me too, I am very thirsty.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as de l'eau ?Do you have any water?
- NathanOui, prends ma bouteille.Yes, take my bottle.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries j'ai, soif, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
