Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| assetato | /as.seˈta.to/ |
| avere sete | /aˈve.re ˈse.te/ |
To express the feeling of needing to drink, you can use the adjective assetato or the more common idiomatic expression avere sete, which literally means 'to have thirst'.
Which one should you use?
While assetato is a direct adjective, the phrase avere sete is the most natural way to express that you are thirsty in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective assetato must agree in gender and number with the subject: use assetata for feminine singular subjects, assetati for masculine plural or mixed-gender groups and assetate for feminine plural subjects. The phrase avere sete functions as a verbal idiom.
How do you pronounce it?
The word assetato is pronounced /as.seˈta.to/ and has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Instead, use the idiom avere sete.
When do people say it?
To express extreme thirst, you can say sto morendo di sete (I'm dying of thirst).
Did you know?
- The Italian word for thirst sete comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'decay' or 'to perish'.
- While assetato means 'thirsty', it is frequently used metaphorically to describe an intense 'thirst' for power or knowledge.
Examples in context
- Tom non è assetato.Tom isn't thirsty.This sentence shows the negative form of the adjective assetato.Tatoeba #2621866 by Guybrush88, translation #2237027 by CK
- Dice di avere sete.He says he's thirsty.This sentence uses the common verbal idiom avere sete.Tatoeba #9000255 by Guybrush88, translation #7405602 by CH
- Il cane è assetato.The dog is thirsty.This sentence uses the adjective assetato to describe a dog.Tatoeba #11289689 by Guybrush88, translation #6729023 by Eccles17
- Scusi, ho sete. Potrebbe consigliarmi un posto dove bere qualcosa?Excuse me, I'm thirsty. Could you recommend a place to have a drink?
- Capisco, anche io sto morendo di sete. Andiamo subito!I understand, I'm dying of thirst too. Let's go right away!
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A sunny afternoon at a park.
- GiuliaSono molto assetata dopo la corsa.I am very thirsty after the run.
- AlessandroAnche io, sono assetato.Me too, I am thirsty.
- GiuliaPrendo un po' di acqua fresca.I'll grab some fresh water.
- AlessandroGrazie, ne ho proprio bisogno.Thanks, I really need it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thirsty” translations and entries assetato, avere sete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assetato, avere, sete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
