necesito un trago
/neθesito un tɾaɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I need a drink" can be translated into Spanish as necesito un trago.
The phrase necesito un trago is used to express a desire for an alcoholic beverage. It is commonly used in informal social settings, such as bars or parties. If you want to refer to a non-specific drink without mentioning a specific beverage, you might use una bebida.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, necesito un trago translates to "I need a gulp/sip", where trago means a gulp, sip or swallow. Idiomatically, however, it is used to mean "a drink" specifically in the context of alcohol.
Which one should you use?
While necesito un trago specifically implies alcohol, the phrase necesito beber algo (I need to drink something) is more neutral and can refer to water or any other liquid.
How do you pronounce it?
/neθesito un tɾaɡo/
Did you know?
- The word trago shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'tragus', which refers to the small pointed part of the human ear.
- If someone is in a desperate situation or facing a hard truth, they might say tragar el trago amargo, which means to endure a bitter experience.
- In Spanish, the word trago can describe both a single swallow of a drink and the entire alcoholic beverage itself.
Examples in context
- Camarero, necesito un trago.Barman, I need a drink.This sentence is useful for addressing a barman.Tatoeba #1037284 by riccioberto, translation #1037289 by riccioberto
- Necesito un trago.I need a drink.This sentence is a simple way to state your need for a drink.Tatoeba #1142163 by alexmarcelo, translation #1244358 by Shishir
- Después de trabajar, necesito un trago.After working, I need a drink.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are at a social gathering after a long week.
- ElenaAlejandro, estoy muy cansada y necesito un trago.Alejandro, I am very tired and I need a drink.
- AlejandroYo también, Elena. Vamos a la barra.Me too, Elena. Let's go to the bar.
- Elena¿Quieres pedir algo para beber?Do you want to order something to drink?
- AlejandroSí, por favor.Yes, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trago, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
