물이 필요해요
muri piryohaeyo
In Korean, "I need water" is expressed as 물이 필요해요 (muri piryohaeyo).
This phrase is used to express that one requires water to drink or use.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 물, meaning "water" and 필요해요, which is the polite form of the verb meaning "to need" or "to be necessary".
Which one should you use?
물이 필요합니다 is a highly formal version and 물이 필요해 or 물 필요해 are informal versions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use 물이 필요합니다 in highly formal or professional settings, such as when speaking to a large audience. For casual situations with close friends or people younger than you, use the informal versions 물이 필요해 or 물 필요해.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 물이 필요해요, the subject "I" is omitted. This is standard and natural in Korean when the context is clear.
How do you pronounce it?
muri piryohaeyo
Did you know?
- The word 물 can also refer to the 'quality' or 'texture' of a fabric or a painting, rather than just the liquid you drink.
- The word 물 is used in the phrase 물론, which means 'of course'. While 물 means 'water', in this context it suggests that something is as natural or clear as the flow of water.
- In South Korea, if you need water in a restaurant, you will often find a self-service station. It is common for customers to fetch their own water using a large communal dispenser rather than asking a server.
Examples in context
- 지금 물이 필요해요.jigeum muri piryohaeyo.I need water right now.
- 운동 후에 물이 필요해요.undong hue muri piryohaeyo.I need water after exercising.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Min-jun are hiking up a mountain.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 저 물이 필요해요.Minjun ssi, jeo muri piryohaeyo.Min-jun, I need water.
- 민준 Min-jun제 물통 여기 있어요.je multong yeogi isseoyo.My water bottle is right here.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 고마워요.jeongmal gomawoyo.Thank you so much.
- 민준 Min-jun아니에요, 천천히 마셔요.anieyo, cheoncheonhi masyeoyo.No problem, drink slowly.
