我渴了。

Just drop this phrase whenever your throat feels dry. You can use it as a standalone statement. You can also add it to a request. For example, 我渴了，有水吗？ means 'I'm thirsty, is there water?' It is very flexible. You don't need fancy grammar to make it work. Just say it clearly and people will understand.

Use it during a long hike with friends. Say it after a spicy meal at a restaurant. It works perfectly when you arrive at a friend's house. You can even use it in a long meeting. Just wait for a natural break in the conversation. It is a basic human need, so people are always helpful.

Avoid saying this during a very formal speech. Don't interrupt your boss while they are presenting. In these cases, wait until the end. Also, don't use it if you want to sound poetic. It is a very functional, everyday phrase. It is not for writing deep literature or love songs. It is for getting a glass of water!

In China, people often prefer drinking warm or hot water. If you say 我渴了, don't be surprised if you get hot water. It is considered better for your health. If you want cold water, you might need to specify. Asking for water is a very common social interaction. It shows you are comfortable with your host.

If you are extremely thirsty, add 死 (sǐ). Say 我渴死了 to mean 'I'm dying of thirst.' It sounds dramatic and very native. If you are just a little thirsty, say 我有一点渴. This sounds a bit more polite. You can also say 我想喝水 which means 'I want to drink water.' Both work in almost any situation.