Meaning
Used to express a desire or need for a drink.
Cultural Background
Americans often expect water to be served with lots of ice. If you say 'I'm thirsty' in a US home, you'll likely receive a large glass of ice water. In the UK, being 'thirsty' is often the first step toward a 'cuppa' (cup of tea). It's the universal social lubricant. In China, it is very common to drink hot or warm water for health reasons. If you say you are thirsty, don't be surprised if you are offered hot water. Hospitality is paramount. Offering water to a guest is a sacred duty, and saying 'I'm thirsty' will often result in a wide variety of drinks being offered.
Use Contractions
Always say 'I'm thirsty' instead of 'I am thirsty' to sound more natural in conversation.
Be Careful with Slang
Don't call your boss 'thirsty' unless you want to get fired! It means they are desperate for attention.
Meaning
Used to express a desire or need for a drink.
Use Contractions
Always say 'I'm thirsty' instead of 'I am thirsty' to sound more natural in conversation.
Be Careful with Slang
Don't call your boss 'thirsty' unless you want to get fired! It means they are desperate for attention.
Add 'So'
Adding 'so' (I'm so thirsty) makes you sound much more like a native speaker when you are really in need of a drink.
Offering is Key
In English-speaking countries, if someone says 'I'm thirsty,' it's a strong hint for you to offer them a drink.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct sentence to express you need water.
How do you say you want a drink?
In English, we use 'I'm' (I am) followed by the adjective 'thirsty'.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
After running in the sun, I am very _______.
The sun and running make you need water, which is 'thirsty'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Would you like some water? B: Yes, please. ________.
If you want water, it's because you are thirsty.
Match the feeling to the situation.
You just finished a 10km race in 30-degree heat.
Heat and exercise lead to thirst.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Thirsty vs. Hungry
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHow do you say you want a drink?
In English, we use 'I'm' (I am) followed by the adjective 'thirsty'.
After running in the sun, I am very _______.
The sun and running make you need water, which is 'thirsty'.
A: Would you like some water? B: Yes, please. ________.
If you want water, it's because you are thirsty.
You just finished a 10km race in 30-degree heat.
Heat and exercise lead to thirst.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, that sounds like a direct translation from Spanish or French. In English, we always say 'I am thirsty'.
'Parched' is just a stronger, more informal way of saying you are very thirsty.
In slang, yes. It implies someone is desperate for attention or 'likes' on social media.
Instead of saying 'I'm thirsty,' say 'Could I please have a glass of water?'
Yes! You can say 'The plants look thirsty' if they need water.
It's a social media photo intended to get attention or compliments.
Only literally (needing water) or metaphorically (thirsty for success). Never use the slang version.
There isn't a single word like 'full' is for 'hungry,' but you can say 'I'm hydrated' or 'I've had enough to drink.'
It's an exaggeration (hyperbole) to show they are very uncomfortable.
It's the soft 'th' sound, like in 'thin' or 'thumb.'
Yes, it is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe physical feelings.
No, just say 'I'm thirsty' or 'I'm thirsty for water.'
Related Phrases
I'm hungry
similarNeed for food
I'm parched
specialized formExtremely thirsty
I'm dehydrated
specialized formLacking water in the body
Quench one's thirst
builds onTo satisfy the need to drink
Thirsty for attention
specialized formDesperate for notice
