tengo sed
/tenɡo sed/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I am thirsty" is tengo sed.
Use this phrase to express that you feel a need to drink water.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have thirst" instead of "I am thirsty".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because this expression uses the verb tener (to have), you must conjugate the verb to match the subject. For example, use tienes sed to say "you are thirsty".
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo sed/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say estoy sediento by using the verb "to be". While estoy sediento is grammatically possible, tengo sed is the much more natural and common way to express that you are thirsty.
Did you know?
- The root of sed is tied to the concept of 'burning', which makes sense as thirst is often described as a parched or burning sensation in the throat.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, tener sed can be used figuratively to describe a strong desire or longing for something, such as power or knowledge.
- In some dialects, saying me entró sed suggests that thirst suddenly hit the person, rather than just existing.
Examples in context
- Dile que tengo sed.Tell her that I am thirsty.This example shows how to use tengo sed when relaying a message to someone else.Tatoeba #1741641 by Shishir, translation #1741640 by Amastan
- Todas las noches tengo sed.Every night I am thirsty.This example demonstrates how to use tengo sed to describe a recurring situation.Tatoeba #5026901 by don_ramon, translation #8271763 by lunchmeat317
- Tengo sed. Quisiera una taza de café.I am thirsty. I would like to have a cup of coffee.This example shows how to use tengo sed to state a physical need followed by a request.Tatoeba #2067327 by marcelostockle, translation #35764 by CK
- Discúlpeme, tengo sed. ¿Podría traerme un vaso de agua, por favor?Excuse me, I am thirsty. Could you bring me a glass of water, please?
- ¡Hace tanto calor! Me muero de sed.It's so hot! I'm dying of thirst.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are walking in a park on a hot day.
- MateoTengo sed, Sofía.I am thirsty, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Quieres un poco de agua?Do you want some water?
- MateoSí, por favor, tengo mucha sed.Yes, please, I am very thirsty.
- SofíaAquí tienes, Mateo.Here you go, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
