ho bisogno di acqua
The English phrase "I need water" is expressed in Italian as ho bisogno di acqua.
This phrase is used to express a physical requirement or a desire for water. If you are specifically looking to ask for bottled water, you can use the term Acqua minerale.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ho bisogno di acqua literally translates to "I have need of water". The expression of need is constructed using the verb avere (to have) combined with the noun bisogno (need).
Which one should you use?
Mi serve acqua is an informal way to say "I need water", whereas vorrei dell'acqua (I would like some water) is a more polite alternative for social settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express need, you use the construction ho bisogno di. If you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned water, you should use the articulated preposition dell' instead of just di, resulting in ho bisogno dell'acqua (I need the water).
Did you know?
- Many Italian cities have nasoni, which are curved iron drinking fountains that provide free, cold, potable water to anyone in the street.
- The word bisogno used to express need actually comes from a Frankish word, *bisunnija, rather than directly from Classical Latin.
- In Italy, if you ask for acqua at a restaurant, you will likely be asked to choose between naturale (still) and frizzante (sparkling).
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di acqua fresca.I need fresh water.
- Dopo la corsa, ho bisogno di acqua.After the run, I need water.
- Ho bisogno di acqua per le piante.I need water for the plants.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are hiking in the mountains.
- FrancescoGiulia, ho bisogno di acqua.Giulia, I need water.
- GiuliaNe ho ancora nella mia borraccia.I still have some in my water bottle.
- FrancescoGrazie mille, Francesco ha sete.Thanks a lot, Francesco is thirsty.
- GiuliaPrego, bevi pure.You're welcome, go ahead and drink.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acqua, bisogno, di, CC BY-SA 4.0.
