tôi muốn uống nước
[toj˧˧ muən˧˦ ʔuəŋ˧˦ nɨək̚˧˦]word by word
The English phrase "I want water" is expressed in Vietnamese as tôi muốn uống nước.
This phrase is a direct statement used to express a desire to drink water. While it is grammatically correct, be aware that saying tôi muốn uống nước can sound slightly blunt or demanding in certain social settings depending on your tone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tôi (I), muốn (want), uống (to drink) and nước (water/liquid).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In a restaurant or a guest's home, it is more natural and polite to use Cho tôi xin nước (Please give me water) instead of using the "I want" structure. For a formal request, you can say Xin cho tôi một chút nước. (Please give me some water).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb uống is used specifically for liquids. You cannot use it for eating solid food. Note that the word nước can also mean "country" or "nation" depending on the context of the sentence.
Did you know?
- Using a word meaning 'slave' for 'I' is a pattern seen across Southeast and East Asia, including Japanese, Thai and Khmer.
Examples in context
- Bây giờ tôi muốn uống nước.I want to drink water now.
- Vì nóng nên tôi muốn uống nước.Because it is hot, I want to drink water.
Example conversation
Hùng and Mai are resting after a long walk in the sun.
- HùngMai ơi, tôi muốn uống nước.Mai, I want to drink water.
- MaiBạn đợi một chút, tôi lấy cho.Wait a moment, I'll get some for you.
- HùngCảm ơn bạn nhiều nhé.Thank you very much.
- MaiKhông có gì đâu.You're welcome.
