渴

You usually pair it with the verb 很 (hěn) which means 'very' but acts as a linker. Say 我很快 (Wǒ hěn kě) to mean 'I am thirsty.' If you are dying for a drink, add 死了 (sǐ le) at the end. 我渴死了 (Wǒ kě sǐ le) literally means 'I am thirsty to death.' It sounds dramatic, but it is very common. You can also use it to ask others if they need water. Just add the question particle 吗 (ma) at the end.

Use it whenever your throat feels like a desert. Use it at a restaurant before the waiter brings tea. Use it after a long walk or a workout. It is perfect for casual settings with friends. It also works in professional meetings if you need to politely ask for water. If you see someone coughing, you might ask them if they are 渴.

Don't use 渴 if you are hungry; that is 饿 (è). Don't use it to mean you are 'thirsty' for attention or fame in a literal sense. While Chinese has metaphors for 'thirsting for knowledge,' the single character 渴 on its own is almost always physical. If you just want a specific flavor of drink but aren't actually thirsty, you might just say you 'want' (想喝) something instead.

In China, the response to being 渴 is almost always hot water. You will often hear people advise you to 'drink more hot water' (多喝热水). This is a legendary piece of Chinese advice for almost any ailment. The character 渴 itself contains the 'water' radical on the left. This visual cue reminds you exactly what you are missing when you use the word.

口渴 (kǒu kě) is the most common two-character version. It literally means 'mouth thirsty.' It sounds a bit more complete than just 渴. You will also hear 渴求 (kě qiú) in more poetic or formal settings. This means to 'long for' or 'crave' something deeply, like success or peace. For beginners, sticking to 我渴了 (I'm thirsty now) is your best bet.