quiero tomar agua
/kjeɾo tomaɾ aɡwa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want to drink water" is expressed in Spanish as quiero tomar agua.
This phrase is used to express a desire to consume water.
Which one should you use?
While tomar is used in this phrase, the verb beber also means "to drink". In many parts of Latin America, tomar is more common, whereas in Spain, beber is more frequently used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, it is common to use the verb tomar instead of beber to say "I want to drink water".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word quiero is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb querer. In the phrase quiero tomar agua, the verb tomar is in the infinitive form because it follows a conjugated verb that expresses a desire.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo tomaɾ aɡwa/
Did you know?
- While agua is a feminine noun, it uses the masculine article el in the singular form el agua to prevent the two 'a' sounds from blending together.
- The verb querer is used for 'wanting' things, but when used to describe a person, it often means 'to love' rather than 'to want'.
- The English word 'ea', an archaic term for a river or stream, shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root as the Spanish word agua.
Examples in context
- Quisiera beber agua, por favor.I would like to drink water, please.
- Quiero beber agua bien fría.I want to drink ice-cold water.
- Tengo sed, quiero tomar agua.I am thirsty, I want to drink water.
- Después de correr, quiero tomar agua.After running, I want to drink water.
- No tengo jugo, quiero tomar agua.I don't have juice, I want to drink water.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are hiking in a park.
- DanielHace mucho calor, quiero tomar agua.It is very hot, I want to drink water.
- MaríaYo también, tengo una botella aquí.Me too, I have a bottle here.
- DanielGracias, María, eres muy amable.Thanks, María, you are very kind.
- MaríaDe nada, Daniel, toma un poco.You're welcome, Daniel, drink a little.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agua, tomar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
