quiero beber
/kjeɾo bebeɾ/from spelling rules
quiero beber is the Spanish phrase for "I want to drink".
This phrase is used to express a desire to consume a liquid.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present indicative of querer (to want) and the infinitive beber (to drink).
Which one should you use?
While beber is the standard verb for "to drink", in many Spanish-speaking regions, tomar is more commonly used in casual conversation to mean "to drink" or "to have" a beverage.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the colloquial phrase quiero tomar is a more natural way to express the desire to drink a beverage than quiero beber.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the subject "I" is built into the verb conjugation quiero, the pronoun yo is optional and often omitted unless used for emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo bebeɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, saying quiero beber without specifying a liquid can sound more like you are expressing a desire to consume alcohol rather than just a thirst for water.
- The word beber comes from the Latin bibere, which is the root of the English word 'imbibe'.
- While 'to drink' is the literal meaning, the verb tomar is so versatile in Spanish that it can also mean 'to take' or 'to grab' an object.
Examples in context
- Quiero beber algo frío.I want to drink something cold.This sentence shows how to use quiero beber to express wanting a cold drink.Tatoeba #1323410 by marcelostockle, translation #25015 by CK
- Quiero beber una taza de té.I want to drink a cup of tea.This sentence shows how to use quiero beber to express wanting a cup of tea.Tatoeba #578805 by Shishir, translation #257402 by CK
- Quiero beber un poco de agua.I want to drink some water.This sentence shows how to use quiero beber to express wanting some water.Tatoeba #995785 by Shishir, translation #270741 by CK
- ¿Qué quieres tomar?What do you want to drink?
- Me gustaría tomar un café, por favor.I would like to have a coffee, please.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are walking through a hot park.
- DanielTengo mucha sed y quiero beber algo.I am very thirsty and I want to drink something.
- MaríaYo también, Daniel. Hay una fuente allí.Me too, Daniel. There is a fountain over there.
- DanielPerfecto, quiero beber agua fresca ahora.Perfect, I want to drink fresh water now.
- MaríaVamos rápido entonces.Let's go quickly then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
