Meaning
Stating the need for a drink.
Cultural Background
Slovaks are very proud of their mineral water. If you say 'Mám smäd', you will likely be offered a specific brand of sparkling water like Budiš or Rajec. In a 'krčma' (village pub), 'Mám smäd' is often the only reason needed to order another round of beer for the table. In the High Tatras, it is common to drink directly from mountain springs. Hikers often warn each other about thirst before reaching a 'chata' (mountain hut). It is considered slightly impolite for a host NOT to ask if you have thirst within the first 10 minutes of your arrival.
The 'Have' Rule
Always remember that in Slovak, you 'have' feelings like thirst, hunger, and fear. Don't use 'to be'!
Pronouncing 'ä'
Don't stress too much about the 'ä'. Most young Slovaks pronounce it just like 'e' in 'men'.
Meaning
Stating the need for a drink.
The 'Have' Rule
Always remember that in Slovak, you 'have' feelings like thirst, hunger, and fear. Don't use 'to be'!
Pronouncing 'ä'
Don't stress too much about the 'ä'. Most young Slovaks pronounce it just like 'e' in 'men'.
Intensifiers
Add 'hrozný' (terrible) or 'strašný' (awful) before 'smäd' to sound more like a native when you're really parched.
Ordering
In a restaurant, saying 'Mám smäd' is a great way to get the waiter's attention for a drink order.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mať'.
Ja ______ smäd.
The first person singular form of 'mať' is 'mám'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'Are you thirsty?' to a friend?
'Máš' is the second person singular, and 'smäd' is the noun.
Match the Slovak phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Mám smäd specifically refers to thirst.
Complete the dialogue.
Peter: 'Je tu veľmi horúco.' Anna: 'Áno, aj ja ______ ______.'
Anna is speaking about herself, so she uses 'mám smäd'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Slovak vs English Thirst
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJa ______ smäd.
The first person singular form of 'mať' is 'mám'.
How do you say 'Are you thirsty?' to a friend?
'Máš' is the second person singular, and 'smäd' is the noun.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Mám smäd specifically refers to thirst.
Peter: 'Je tu veľmi horúco.' Anna: 'Áno, aj ja ______ ______.'
Anna is speaking about herself, so she uses 'mám smäd'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct, but 'Mám smäd' is more common in casual, everyday speech.
It is a masculine inanimate noun.
Simply add 'ne' to the verb: 'Nemám smäd'.
The plural is 'smädy', but it is almost never used as thirst is an uncountable concept.
No, it's quite direct but not rude. However, 'Môžem poprosiť o vodu?' is more polite.
Only metaphorically, to mean a strong desire for something (e.g., power, knowledge).
Think of the 'a' in 'cat' or the 'e' in 'met'. In modern Slovak, 'e' is perfectly acceptable.
'Smäd' is the feeling (thirst), 'pitie' is the act or the object (a drink).
Yes, 'Pes má smäd' (The dog is thirsty) is correct.
Slovak is a pro-drop language; the verb ending already tells us it's 'I', so 'ja' is usually omitted.
Related Phrases
Mám hlad
similarI am hungry
Uhasit smäd
builds onTo quench thirst
Smädný ako ťava
specialized formThirsty as a camel
Pitie
similarA drink / drinking
Voda
similarWater
