A2 verb #3,000 más común 5 min de lectura

のどが渇く

nodoga kawaku
At the A1 level, you simply need to recognize 'のどが渇いた' (Nodo ga kawaita) as a set phrase meaning 'I'm thirsty.' You don't need to worry about the kanji yet; focus on the sound and the meaning. It is usually taught alongside 'お腹が空いた' (Onaka ga suita - I'm hungry). You should be able to use it to ask for water or a drink in a basic way. For example, saying 'のどが渇きました。お茶をください' (I'm thirsty. Please give me tea) is a perfect A1 sentence. The focus is on immediate physical needs and simple requests.
At the A2 level, you begin to understand the grammar behind the phrase. You learn that '渇く' is a verb and that 'が' is the particle used because the throat is the subject. You also learn to connect it to reasons using '~から' or '~ので' (e.g., 'Atsui kara, nodo ga kawaita' - Because it's hot, I'm thirsty). You should also be able to distinguish it from the verb for drying clothes (乾く) and use the past tense 'kawaita' correctly to describe your current state. This level is about expanding the context of the phrase.
At the B1 level, you use 'のどが渇く' in more complex sentence structures. You might use the potential form or conditional forms, such as 'のどが渇いたら、これを飲んでください' (If you get thirsty, please drink this). You also start using onomatopoeia like 'karakara' to add flavor to your speech. You understand the difference between formal and informal registers, using 'kawakimashita' with superiors and 'kawaita' with friends. You can also describe symptoms to a doctor using this phrase.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use the kanji '渇く' correctly in writing and recognize it in newspapers or health brochures. You understand more abstract uses of the root 'katsu' (渇), such as in 'katsubou' (craving). You can discuss the importance of hydration in a professional or academic context, using the phrase within larger discussions about health, climate change, or sports science. You also understand the nuance of using 'te-iru' vs 'ta' to describe the state of thirst.
At the C1 level, you appreciate the literary and metaphorical nuances of '渇く'. You might encounter it in literature to describe a character's spiritual or emotional void. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions and can use the word in nuanced ways to describe subtle physical sensations. You also understand the historical development of the kanji and its relation to other characters in the same family. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of natural flow and context.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word and its various forms. You can use it in highly formal speeches, poetic writing, or complex legal/medical documents. You understand the most obscure synonyms and can explain the subtle differences between 'kawakimachi' (waiting with thirst/anticipation) and other similar concepts. You can analyze the use of 'thirst' as a motif in Japanese classical literature and discuss how the concept of 'k渇' has evolved in the Japanese psyche over centuries.

のどが渇く en 30 segundos

  • Used to express the physical sensation of thirst in Japanese by describing the throat as 'drying'.
  • Requires the kanji 渇 (thirst) rather than 乾 (dry), which is a common mistake for learners.
  • Typically used in the past tense 'kawaita' to say 'I am thirsty' right now.
  • Follows the [Body Part] + が + [Verb] pattern, similar to 'onaka ga suita' (hungry).

The phrase のどが渇く (nodo ga kawaku) is the standard Japanese expression for the physiological sensation of thirst. Literally translated, it means "the throat dries." In Japanese culture, expressing physical needs often involves describing the state of the body part affected rather than a direct internal feeling. This expression is classified as CEFR A2 because it is a fundamental survival phrase used in daily life, yet it introduces the specific kanji which is distinct from other 'drying' verbs.

Etymological Breakdown
The word consists of のど (喉 - throat), the subject marker , and the verb 渇く (to dry/parch). Note that 渇く is specifically used for thirst or parched land, distinguishing it from 乾く (to dry out, like clothes).
Semantic Range
While primarily physical, in higher-level Japanese, the root 'kawa' (渇) can imply a metaphorical 'thirst' for knowledge or affection, though 'nodo ga kawaku' itself remains strictly physical.

「たくさん走ったので、のどが渇きました。水が飲みたいです。」

— Common Daily Usage

Understanding the nuance of the particle が (ga) is crucial here. Unlike English where 'I' am the subject ('I am thirsty'), in Japanese, the 'throat' is the subject that is performing the action of 'becoming dry.' This shift in perspective is a hallmark of Japanese sentence structure where states of being are often attributed to the body part experiencing them. This is similar to お腹が空く (onaka ga suku - to get hungry).

「夏はのどが渇きやすいので、こまめに水分を補給しましょう。」

— Health Advice Context
Visualizing the Kanji
The kanji features the 'water' radical (氵) on the left, which ironically points to the absence of water. The right side contributes to the phonetic and conceptual meaning of 'exhaustion' or 'depletion'.

Using のどが渇く correctly requires understanding its conjugation and the temporal aspect of the verb. Since it is a Group 1 (u-verb), it follows standard patterns. However, the way we express 'being thirsty' right now usually requires the past tense or the state-of-being form.

  • のどが渇いた (Past Tense): Used to say "I am thirsty" (literally: "My throat has become dry"). This is the most common way to express the current feeling.
  • のどが渇いている (Te-iru Form): Describes the ongoing state of being thirsty.
  • のどが渇く (Dictionary Form): Used for general statements, like "I get thirsty when I eat spicy food."

「塩辛いものを食べると、すぐのどが渇く。」

— General Habitual Use

In polite conversation, you will use のどが渇きました (nodo ga kawakimashita). If you are with friends, のど乾いた (nodo kawaita) is the standard casual drop. Notice that in casual speech, the particle is often omitted, making it just 'nodo kawaita'.

Grammatical Patterns
  • [Reason] + ので、のどが渇いた (Because of [Reason], I'm thirsty)
  • のどが渇いて + [Action] (I'm thirsty, so I [Action] - e.g., drank water)

You will encounter this phrase in almost every aspect of Japanese life, from casual family dinners to medical check-ups. It is a vital part of the Japanese lexicon because Japan's climate—ranging from humid summers to dry winters—makes hydration a frequent topic of conversation.

「熱中症に気をつけてください。のどが渇く前に水を飲みましょう。」

— Public Health Announcement

In restaurants, you might hear a customer say 「のどが渇いちゃって...」 (I've ended up getting thirsty...) as a polite way to ask for a refill or to explain why they are ordering a large drink immediately. In sports settings, coaches constantly remind players to hydrate before they feel thirsty.

Typical Scenarios
  • After Exercise: "Kyo wa atsui ne. Nodo kawaita!"
  • In the Morning: "Asa okiru to, itsumo nodo ga kawaite iru."
  • During a Presentation: "Kinchou shite, nodo ga kawaita." (I got nervous and my throat went dry.)

The most frequent error for English speakers is the confusion between 渇く (kawaku) and 乾く (kawaku). While they sound identical and both mean "to dry," their usage is strictly separated by the object being dried.

The Kanji Trap
  • のどが乾く (Incorrect Kanji: This implies your throat is like laundry hanging on a line).
  • のどが渇く (Correct Kanji: Specifically for thirst and dehydration).

Another mistake involves the tense. In English, we say "I am thirsty" (present tense). In Japanese, if you say のどが渇く (nodo ga kawaku), it sounds like a general fact or a future event. To say you are thirsty now, you must use the past tense のどが渇いた (nodo ga kawaita).

「× 私はのどを渇く。」
「○ のどが渇きました。」

— Particle Correction

While のどが渇く is the most common way to express thirst, there are several related terms that offer more specific nuances or formal alternatives.

Synonyms and Variations
  • 喉がカラカラ (Nodo ga karakara): An onomatopoeic expression meaning "bone dry" or "parched." Very common in casual speech.
  • 渇望する (Katsubou suru): A much more formal and metaphorical verb meaning "to crave" or "to long for" (e.g., craving peace).
  • 口が渇く (Kuchi ga kawaku): "My mouth is dry." Often used when nervous or as a medical symptom.

「緊張して口が渇いて、うまく話せませんでした。」

— Contextual Alternative

When comparing 渇く to 乾く, remember: 渇く is for the 'internal' need for water, while 乾く is for 'external' surfaces like hair, clothes, or the ground. Using the wrong one in writing is a sign of a beginner level, so mastering the distinction early is highly recommended for A2 learners moving toward B1.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Ejemplos por nivel

1

のどが渇きました。

I am thirsty.

Polite past tense used for current state.

2

のど、渇いた?

Are you thirsty?

Casual question with particle omission.

3

のどが渇いたので、水を飲みます。

I'm thirsty, so I'll drink water.

Using 'node' for reason.

4

とても、のどが渇きました。

I am very thirsty.

Adverb 'totemo' for emphasis.

5

のどが渇きましたか。

Did you get thirsty?

Standard polite question.

6

あ、のどが渇いた。

Oh, I'm thirsty.

Casual exclamation.

7

のどが渇いた。ジュース、ちょうだい。

I'm thirsty. Give me juice.

Casual request.

8

のどが渇いた。お茶がいいです。

I'm thirsty. Tea is good (I'd like tea).

Expressing preference.

1

走ったあとで、のどが渇きました。

I got thirsty after running.

Using 'ato de' for sequence.

2

暑い日はのどが渇きやすいです。

On hot days, it's easy to get thirsty.

Verb stem + yasui (easy to).

3

のどが渇く前に、水を飲んでください。

Please drink water before you get thirsty.

Dictionary form + mae ni.

4

塩辛いものを食べると、のどが渇きます。

When I eat salty food, I get thirsty.

Conditional 'to' for natural consequence.

5

のどが渇いたけれど、飲み物がありません。

I'm thirsty, but there are no drinks.

Using 'keredo' for contrast.

6

のどが渇いて、声が出ません。

My throat is dry, and I can't speak.

Te-form for cause and effect.

7

少しのどが渇きましたね。

We're a bit thirsty, aren't we?

Sentence ending particle 'ne' for agreement.

8

のどが渇いたら、あそこのカフェに行きましょう。

If you get thirsty, let's go to that cafe.

Conditional 'tara'.

1

のどが渇いてたまらない。

I'm so thirsty I can't stand it.

Te-form + tamaranai (unbearable).

2

朝起きると、いつも以上にのどが渇いている。

When I wake up, I'm thirstier than usual.

Te-iru form for state.

3

のどが渇くのは、体が水分を必要としているサインだ。

Getting thirsty is a sign that the body needs water.

Nominalizing with 'no wa'.

4

のどが渇いても、一気に飲まないほうがいいですよ。

Even if you're thirsty, it's better not to drink all at once.

Te-mo (even if).

5

緊張のあまり、のどが渇いてしまった。

I got so nervous that my throat went dry.

Noun + no amari (due to excess of).

6

のどが渇くのを防ぐために、飴を舐める。

I suck on candy to prevent my throat from getting dry.

Verb + no o fusegu tame ni.

7

のどが渇いたからといって、ビールばかり飲むのは良くない。

Just because you're thirsty doesn't mean drinking only beer is good.

Kara to itte (just because).

8

のどが渇ききって、一歩も動けない。

My throat is completely parched, and I can't move a step.

Verb stem + kiru (completely).

1

激しい運動の後は、のどが渇くのを待たずに水分を摂るべきだ。

After intense exercise, you should hydrate without waiting to get thirsty.

Zu ni (without doing).

2

砂漠を歩き続け、のどが渇いて死にそうだった。

I kept walking through the desert and felt like I was dying of thirst.

Shini-sou (looking like/feeling like dying).

3

この薬の副作用で、のどが渇くことがあります。

This medicine may cause thirst as a side effect.

Koto ga aru (sometimes happens).

4

のどが渇くという感覚は、脳の視床下部でコントロールされている。

The sensation of thirst is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain.

To iu kankaku (the sensation called...).

5

のどが渇いた状態で放置すると、脱水症状に陥る危険がある。

If left in a thirsty state, there is a risk of falling into dehydration.

Joutai de houchi suru (leave in a state).

6

彼は知識に渇いているかのように、本を読み漁った。

He devoured books as if he were thirsty for knowledge.

Metaphorical use with 'ka no you ni'.

7

のどが渇くたびに、彼は冷たい水を求めた。

Every time he got thirsty, he sought cold water.

Tabi ni (every time).

8

のどが渇くのを我慢するのは、健康に良くない。

Enduring thirst is not good for your health.

Gaman suru (to endure).

1

その旅人は、のどが渇き果てて道端に倒れ込んでいた。

The traveler, completely exhausted by thirst, had collapsed by the roadside.

Stem + hatete (to the point of exhaustion).

2

都会の喧騒の中で、彼は心の渇きを癒やす場所を探していた。

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, he was looking for a place to quench the thirst of his soul.

Metaphorical 'kokoro no kawaki'.

3

のどが渇くという生理現象は、生命維持に不可欠な警告信号である。

The physiological phenomenon of thirst is an essential warning signal for life maintenance.

Formal academic phrasing.

4

渇いた大地が雨を待つように、彼は彼女の言葉を待っていた。

Just as the parched earth waits for rain, he waited for her words.

Simile using 'you ni'.

5

のどが渇きを覚えるのは、血漿浸透圧の上昇によるものだ。

The sensation of thirst is due to an increase in plasma osmotic pressure.

Kawakio oboeru (to feel thirst - formal).

6

長時間の講演で、のどが渇き、声がかすれてしまった。

Due to the long lecture, my throat became dry and my voice grew hoarse.

Compound sentence with cause/effect.

7

のどが渇くのを抑えるために、彼は一口ずつゆっくりと水を飲んだ。

To suppress his thirst, he drank the water slowly, sip by sip.

Osaeru tame ni (to suppress).

8

その映画は、現代人が抱える精神的な渇きを見事に描き出している。

The movie brilliantly depicts the spiritual thirst that modern people harbor.

Seishinteki na kawaki (spiritual thirst).

1

渇愛(かつあい)という仏教用語は、のどが渇くような激しい執着を指す。

The Buddhist term 'Katsubou' refers to an intense attachment like being thirsty.

Etymological and religious context.

2

のどが渇くという根源的な欲求は、時に理性を凌駕する。

The primal urge of thirst sometimes surpasses reason.

Kongenteki na yokkyu (primal urge).

3

その詩人は、渇いた喉を潤す一滴の露に、宇宙の真理を見た。

The poet saw the truth of the universe in a single drop of dew that moistened his parched throat.

Highly literary/poetic style.

4

のどが渇くという感覚の背後には、複雑なホルモンバランスの調整が存在する。

Behind the sensation of thirst lies a complex adjustment of hormonal balance.

Scientific complexity.

5

彼は、のどが渇きに喘ぐ人々に、無償で水を提供し続けた。

He continued to provide water for free to people gasping with thirst.

Kawakini aegu (to gasp/struggle with thirst).

6

渇きを癒やす術(すべ)を知らぬ者は、永遠に彷徨い続けるだろう。

Those who do not know how to quench their thirst will likely wander forever.

Archaic/Literary 'sube' (way/method).

7

のどが渇くという事象を、単なる物理的欠乏と捉えるのは早計である。

It is premature to view the phenomenon of thirst as a mere physical deficiency.

Philosophical argument structure.

8

その地は、のどが渇いた獣たちが水を求めて集まる唯一のオアシスだった。

That land was the only oasis where thirsty beasts gathered in search of water.

Narrative storytelling style.

Colocaciones comunes

ひどくのどが渇く
のどが渇いて死にそうだ
のどが渇く前に飲む
のどが渇きやすい体質
のどが渇いて目が覚める
のどが渇くのを防ぐ
のどが渇いて声が枯れる
のどが渇いた時の一杯
のどが渇くのを我慢する
のどが渇くメカニズム

Frases Comunes

のどが渇いた!

のど、渇いてない?

のどが渇きましたね。

のどが渇いちゃった。

のどが渇きすぎて...

のどが渇く季節

のどが渇く食べ物

のどが渇く薬

のどが渇く運動

のどが渇く前に

Se confunde a menudo con

のどが渇く vs 乾く (kawaku)

のどが渇く vs 空く (suku)

のどが渇く vs 枯れる (kareru)

Modismos y expresiones

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Fácil de confundir

のどが渇く vs 喉が渇く

のどが渇く vs 喉が痛い

のどが渇く vs 喉が詰まる

のどが渇く vs 喉が鳴る

のどが渇く vs 喉が渇く (乾く)

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

social

It is polite to ask others if they are thirsty before getting a drink for yourself.

medical

In medical contexts, 'kuchino kawaki' (dry mouth) is often used instead of 'nodo'.

Errores comunes
  • Using the kanji 乾く instead of 渇く.
  • Using the particle を instead of が.
  • Using the present tense 'kawaku' to mean 'I am thirsty now'.
  • Confusing 'nodo' (throat) with 'kuchi' (mouth) in general thirst contexts.
  • Forgetting to conjugate 'kawaku' as a Group 1 verb (e.g., saying 'kawaketa' instead of 'kawaita').

Consejos

The 'Ta' Rule

Always use the past tense 'kawaita' to express that you are currently thirsty. The present 'kawaku' sounds like a general habit.

Water Radical

The kanji 渇 has the water radical on the left. Think of it as 'searching for water' to remember it's for thirst.

Drop the Particle

In casual speech, drop the 'ga'. 'Nodo kawaita' sounds much more natural and fluid in daily conversation.

Tea Culture

If someone says 'nodo ga kawaita', it's a strong social cue to offer them a drink immediately.

Pitch Accent

Pay attention to the drop after 'do' in 'nodo'. The pitch accent helps distinguish words in fast speech.

Pairing

Learn 'nodo ga kawaku' (thirsty) and 'onaka ga suku' (hungry) together as they follow the same grammatical pattern.

Medical Context

If you are at a pharmacy, 'kuchi no kawaki' is the term for 'dry mouth' as a side effect.

Stroke Order

Practice the stroke order of 渇. The right side is complex but follows standard rules for 'exhaustion' components.

Signage

Look for 渇 in summer warning signs (熱中症対策) at train stations or parks.

Metaphor

While 'nodo ga kawaku' is physical, the root 'katsu' is used in 'katsubou' for deep, spiritual longing.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'Kangaroo' (Ka) 'Walking' (waku) in the desert because his 'Node' (throat) is dry.

Origen de la palabra

Old Japanese 'kawak-u'. The kanji 渇 represents water (氵) and a phonetic element meaning 'to exhaust' or 'to reach a limit'.

Contexto cultural

Tea is served immediately to address potential thirst.

The ubiquity of vending machines in Japan is often linked to the constant need to satisfy 'nodo ga kawaku' in a humid climate.

Eating watermelon or shaved ice (kakigori) are traditional ways to quench thirst.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"のどが渇きませんか?"

"のどが渇いたとき、何を飲みますか?"

"走ったあとは、すごくのどが渇きますよね。"

"このラーメン、のどが渇きそうですね。"

"のどが渇く前に、休憩しましょう。"

Temas para diario

今日、いつのどが渇きましたか?

のどが渇いたとき、一番好きな飲み物は何ですか?

砂漠でのどが渇いた自分を想像して書いてください。

のどが渇くのを防ぐために、何をしていますか?

「心の渇き」を感じたことはありますか?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'kawaku' is an intransitive verb. You must use the particle 'ga' because the throat is the subject experiencing the state.

'Kawaita' is the most common way to say 'I'm thirsty' right now. 'Kawaite iru' emphasizes the ongoing state of being parched.

You say 'Nodo wa kawaite imasen' or casually 'Nodo kawaitenai'.

No, hunger is 'onaka ga suita' or 'onaka ga heru'.

Literally 'nodo ga kawaku' is physical. For knowledge, use 'chishiki ni uete iru' or 'katsubou'.

Yes, it is a Joyo kanji and very common in daily life and health-related texts.

Because the process of 'becoming dry' has already happened, resulting in the current state of thirst.

It is an onomatopoeia for something being bone-dry. 'Nodo ga karakara' means 'I'm parched'.

No, use 'kawaku' with the kanji 乾 (乾く) for hair or clothes.

To friends, no. To a boss, use 'nodo ga kawaita node...' followed by a request or explanation.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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