A1 Expression Neutro

Ho molta sete

I am very thirsty

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use 'Ho molta sete' to tell someone you are very thirsty and need a drink.

  • Means: I have much thirst (I am very thirsty).
  • Used in: Cafes, restaurants, or after exercise.
  • Don't confuse: 'Sono sete' is incorrect; always use the verb 'avere' (to have).
I (Ho) + Much (molta) + Thirst (sete) = Water please!

Explanation at your level:

This phrase means you are thirsty. You use it when you want to drink water. Remember to use the verb 'avere'.
This is a standard way to express a physical need. It uses the verb 'avere' to indicate that you possess the feeling of thirst.
The expression 'Ho molta sete' is a classic example of how Italian uses the verb 'avere' for physiological states. It is a high-frequency phrase essential for daily communication in Italy.
While primarily used for physical thirst, the structure 'avere sete' can be extended metaphorically. It demonstrates the learner's grasp of Italian idiomatic structures regarding bodily sensations.
The phrase exemplifies the Italian preference for 'avere' over 'essere' for states of being. Its usage is consistent across registers, though the addition of 'molta' acts as an intensifier, showing a nuanced control of adjectival modification.
From a cognitive linguistic perspective, 'Ho molta sete' maps the concept of thirst onto the domain of possession. This is a foundational construction in Italian, contrasting with the predicative adjective structures found in English or German, highlighting the language's unique conceptualization of the self.

Significado

Expressing the need for water.

🌍

Contexto cultural

Italians value hydration. Public fountains (nasoni) are everywhere. Summer heat makes thirst a common topic of conversation.

💡

Verb choice

Always use 'avere' for physical needs like thirst, hunger, and cold.

Significado

Expressing the need for water.

💡

Verb choice

Always use 'avere' for physical needs like thirst, hunger, and cold.

Teste-se

Fill in the correct verb.

Io ____ molta sete.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: ho

Thirst is expressed with 'avere'.

🎉 Pontuação: /1

Perguntas frequentes

1 perguntas

No, that is grammatically incorrect in Italian.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

Ho fame

similar

I am hungry

🔗

Ho sonno

similar

I am sleepy

Onde usar

☕

At a cafe

You: Buongiorno, ho molta sete. Un'acqua naturale, per favore.

Waiter: Certamente!

neutral
🏃

After a run

Friend: Vuoi bere qualcosa?

You: Sì, ho molta sete!

informal

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Sete' (set) of glasses you need because you are so thirsty.

Visual Association

Imagine yourself in a hot desert, holding an empty glass, shouting 'Ho molta sete!'

Rhyme

Ho molta sete, dammi da bere.

Story

Marco ran a marathon. He crossed the finish line. He felt his throat was dry. He shouted, 'Ho molta sete!' and drank a whole bottle of water.

Word Web

acquabereseteaverefrescocaldo

Desafio

Say 'Ho molta sete' every time you drink water today.

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Tengo mucha sed

The vocabulary is cognate but distinct.

French high

J'ai très soif

French uses 'soif' instead of 'sete'.

German moderate

Ich habe großen Durst

German uses 'Durst' for thirst.

Japanese low

喉が渇きました (Nodo ga kawakimashita)

It is a passive state change rather than possession.

Arabic low

أنا عطشان (Ana atshan)

It uses 'to be' (implied) rather than 'to have'.

Easily Confused

Ho molta sete vs Ho sete vs. Sono assetato

Learners think they are interchangeable.

'Ho sete' is the standard way to express the need; 'Sono assetato' is more descriptive/literary.

Perguntas frequentes (1)

No, that is grammatically incorrect in Italian.

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