のどが渇いた
nodo ga kawaita
The Japanese phrase for 'thirsty' is のどが渇いた (nodo ga kawaita).
This expression is used to describe the sensation of needing to drink.
Meaning: needing to drink (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means 'the throat has dried'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase のどが渇いた is an informal expression meaning 'I got thirsty.' For a more polite or formal way to say 'I am thirsty,' you can use 喉が渇いています. There is also a formal expression のどが渇きました which translates to 'I became thirsty.' If you want to use a colloquial expression to say 'I have a dry throat,' you can say 喉がカラカラだ.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression のどが渇く is used for thirst throughout Japan.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase のどが渇いた uses the past tense form of the verb 渇く (kawaita) to describe a current state of being thirsty. For a polite version, you can use のどが渇いています.
How do you pronounce it?
nodo ga kawaita
Did you know?
- When you use the colloquial expression カラカラ, you are using onomatopoeia to mimic the sound of something being bone-dry or completely dehydrated.
- The word のど ('throat') is used in Japanese to describe not just thirst, but also a longing for something, such as the 'thirst' for knowledge or a 'thirst' for love.
- While のどが渇いた refers to physical thirst, the word 渇望 ('katsubō') uses the same root verb for 'dry' to mean an intense, desperate craving.
Examples in context
- のどが渇いた。I'm thirsty.This sentence is useful for stating that you are thirsty using のどが渇いた.Tatoeba #2999617 by Fukuko, translation #1814 by CK
- すみません、のどが渇きましたので、水をいただけますか？Excuse me, I became thirsty, could I have some water, please?
- お茶を飲みたいです。喉が渇いています。I want to drink tea. I am thirsty.
- 映画が長かったから、のどが渇いたよ。The movie was long, so I got thirsty.
- 散歩中、暑くて喉がカラカラだったよ。During the walk, it was hot, and my throat felt dry.
- すごくのどが渇いた。Sugoku nodo ga kawaita.I am really thirsty.
- のどが渇いたから、水を飲もう。Nodo ga kawaita kara, mizu o nomou.I'm thirsty, so let's drink some water.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki are taking a break during a walk.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、のどが渇いたね。Misaki, nodo ga kawaita ne.Misaki, you're thirsty, aren't you?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、すごくのどが渇いたよ。Un, sugoku nodo ga kawaita yo.Yeah, I'm really thirsty.
- 陽太 Yotaあそこに自動販売機があるよ。Asoko ni jidou hanbaiki ga aru yo.There is a vending machine over there.
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ！行こう。Hontou da! Ikou.You're right! Let's go.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
