Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sediento | /seˈdjento/ | |
| tener sed | /teneɾ sed/ (from spelling rules) | |
| sediente (disused) | ||
| sitibundo | /sitiˈbundo/ | poetic |
The word can be used to describe the physical sensation of needing to drink. While sediento is an adjective, the verbal idiom tener sed is the much more common way to express the state of being thirsty in everyday Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tener sed is a verbal idiom where sed (thirst) is the direct object of the verb tener (to have).
Which one should you use?
sediento is an adjective, whereas tener sed is the common way to express being thirsty in daily life. In literary contexts, you may encounter the poetic form sitibundo. The form sediente is now disused.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sitibundo is a highly literary or poetic form that is not used in standard conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Chile, the phrase tengo una sed bárbara is used to mean "I am really thirsty".
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, sediento must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (for example, sediento for masculine singular and sedienta for feminine singular).
How do you pronounce it?
/seˈdjento/
When do people say it?
In informal settings, you might hear the comparison Tengo sed como un camello to mean "I'm thirsty like a camel."
Did you know?
- The word sed is a 'doublet' of the word tisis, which refers to a type of pulmonary consumption or wasting disease.
- In Spanish, sediento is often used metaphorically to describe an intense longing for power, knowledge or revenge.
Examples in context
- Yo me puse sediento.I got thirsty.This sentence shows how to use sediento to describe a state.Tatoeba #4592948 by Francisco_M, translation #2245803 by CK
- No puedo evitar tener sed.I can't help being thirsty.This sentence illustrates the use of the idiom tener sed.Tatoeba #13435683 by Seael, translation #2134529 by yigitpia
- Estoy hambriento y sediento.I'm hungry and thirsty.This sentence demonstrates using sediento alongside another adjective.Tatoeba #1690685 by marcelostockle, translation #1690392 by Spamster
- ¿Podría por favor traerme una bebida? Tengo sed.Could you please bring me a drink? I'm thirsty.
- Oye, tengo sed como un camello. ¿Vamos a tomar algo?Hey, I'm thirsty like a camel. Let's go get something to drink?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are hiking in the sun.
- AlejandroElena, estoy muy sediento después de caminar.Elena, I am very thirsty after walking.
- ElenaYo también, ¿tienes agua en tu mochila?Me too, do you have water in your backpack?
- AlejandroSí, aquí tienes una botella fría.Yes, here is a cold bottle.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro, me salvas la vida.Thanks, Alejandro, you're saving my life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thirsty” translations and entries sediento, sitibundo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sed, sediento, sitibundo, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
