Meaning
Stating physical thirst.
Cultural Background
Hungarians are very proud of their 'szódavíz' (soda water). It was popularized by Ányos Jedlik. It's the essential ingredient for 'fröccs'. In the summer, the city sets up 'párakapu' (mist gates) and hands out free water bags at major intersections because it gets very hot. It is common to see 'közkút' (public blue wells) in villages. They provide clean, cold drinking water to anyone passing by. If you say you are thirsty in a Hungarian home, expect to be offered at least three different types of drinks immediately.
Drop the 'Én'
Don't say 'Én szomjas vagyok' unless you want to be very dramatic. 'Szomjas vagyok' is much more natural.
Watch the 'gy'
The 'gy' in 'vagyok' is tricky. It's not a 'g' and not a 'j'. Practice it by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
Meaning
Stating physical thirst.
Drop the 'Én'
Don't say 'Én szomjas vagyok' unless you want to be very dramatic. 'Szomjas vagyok' is much more natural.
Watch the 'gy'
The 'gy' in 'vagyok' is tricky. It's not a 'g' and not a 'j'. Practice it by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
The Fröccs Rule
If you are thirsty in a pub, don't just say 'szomjas vagyok'. Be ready to choose your wine-to-soda ratio!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'to be' (vagyok, vagy, van).
Nagyon szomjas ______.
Since you are talking about yourself, you must use the 1st person singular 'vagyok'.
Which sentence means 'The children are thirsty'?
Select the correct plural form:
In the 3rd person plural, the verb 'vannak' is often omitted in simple adjective statements, but the adjective must be plural ('szomjasak').
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'Majdmeghalok egy korty vízért!'
This is an emphatic, dramatic expression of extreme thirst.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Pincér: Mit hozhatok? Vendég: ________, kérek egy kólát.
If you are ordering a drink (cola), it is because you are thirsty.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things to drink when you are szomjas
Víz
- • Ásványvíz
- • Csapvíz
- • Szóda
Alkohol
- • Sör
- • Fröccs
- • Bor
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNagyon szomjas ______.
Since you are talking about yourself, you must use the 1st person singular 'vagyok'.
Select the correct plural form:
In the 3rd person plural, the verb 'vannak' is often omitted in simple adjective statements, but the adjective must be plural ('szomjasak').
'Majdmeghalok egy korty vízért!'
This is an emphatic, dramatic expression of extreme thirst.
Pincér: Mit hozhatok? Vendég: ________, kérek egy kólát.
If you are ordering a drink (cola), it is because you are thirsty.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is fine, but adding 'legyen szíves' (please) or 'kérek' (I want/request) makes it better.
No, Hungarian does not use this phrase that way. It will be taken 100% literally.
'Szomjas' is the adjective (thirsty), and 'szomjúság' is the noun (thirst).
Simply add 'nem' at the beginning: 'Nem vagyok szomjas.'
In very informal settings, you might just say 'Szomjas!' while pointing to yourself, but it's a bit caveman-like.
'Vagyok' is for 'I', 'vagy' is for 'you'.
Yes, that is a common metaphorical use meaning 'I am thirsty for knowledge'.
Children often say 'Szomjas vagyok!' or 'Kérek inni!'
Only in historical dramas or very romantic scenes.
No, Hungarian adjectives do not have gender. It's the same for everyone!
Szomjasak vagyunk.
Usually 'víz' (water) or 'ásványvíz' (mineral water).
Related Phrases
Éhes vagyok
similarI am hungry
Inni szeretnék
synonymI would like to drink
Kiszáradtam
specialized formI am dehydrated
Szomjazom
specialized formI thirst
Italt kérek
builds onI want a drink
