24 Japanese Phrases to Say “I’m Thirsty

Feeling thirsty? It’s one of those simple, everyday moments that can happen anywhere—from a hot summer day to a cozy room where you just need a sip. Expressing that in Japanese can be fun and useful.

Whether you’re traveling, chatting with friends, or learning the language, knowing how to say “I’m thirsty” in different ways makes you sound more natural and helps you connect better. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!

Japanese has a variety of expressions for thirst, ranging from casual to polite, and even some native-like phrases that locals use. Mastering these will definitely level up your language skills.

In this article, we’ll dive into 24 awesome Japanese phrases to say “I’m thirsty,” complete with pronunciation guides and easy explanations. You’ll find expressions for any situation!

Learning these phrases not only helps you communicate but also deepens your understanding of Japanese culture and everyday life. It’s a small step with big returns.

Ready to quench your linguistic thirst? Let’s jump right in and explore these refreshing Japanese expressions!

Understanding Thirst in Japanese: Basics First

Before we get into the fun list, let’s cover the basics of expressing thirst in Japanese.

Most straightforwardly, thirst is 「喉が渇いた」(Nodo ga kawaita), which literally means “My throat is dry.” It’s a universal way to say “I’m thirsty.”

Simple and practical!

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Once you get this phrase down, you can branch out to more casual, polite, or native-like expressions.

It’s easy to practice by just noticing when you feel thirsty and repeating the phrase in your head or out loud.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 喉が渇いた (Nodo ga kawaita) – No-do ga ka-wai-ta (no-doh gah kah-wah-ee-tah)

This is the classic, go-to phrase for “I’m thirsty.”

It literally means “My throat is dry,” which is how Japanese people express thirst naturally. It’s casual and works great with friends or family.

A simple mnemonic: “Nodo” = throat, “kawaita” = became dry.

Just remember: throat dry = thirsty!

You can also add 「水が欲しい」(Mizu ga hoshii) to say “I want water.”

Try using this phrase next time you feel thirsty—it’s the easiest way to start.

2. 喉乾いた～ (Nodo kawaita~) – No-do ka-wai-ta (no-doh kah-wah-ee-tah)

This is a shortened, casual version of the first phrase often used in speech.

Dropping the particle “が” (ga) makes it quicker and more natural among close friends or younger people. Practice by mimicking casual conversations you hear in anime or dramas.

It’s a friendly, laid-back way to say you’re thirsty.

Be careful not to use this in formal situations.

Example: When chilling with friends, you might say, “喉乾いた～、ジュース買おう！” (Nodo kawaita~, juusu kaou!) meaning “I’m thirsty, let’s buy some juice!”

Using this phrase shows you’re blending in with casual Japanese speakers.

3. のどカラカラ (Nodo karakara) – No-do ka-ra-ka-ra (no-doh kah-rah-kah-rah)

This phrase means “My throat is completely dry” and is more expressive.

“カラカラ” (karakara) is an onomatopoeia for dryness or emptiness, making it sound vivid and natural.

Good for emphasizing strong thirst in casual chats.

It’s easy to remember because it repeats the sound “kara,” mimicking dryness.

Use it for dramatic effect, like “のどカラカラだよ！” (Nodo karakara da yo!) “I’m super thirsty!”

This phrase adds personality and flair to your speech.

4. 水ちょうだい (Mizu choudai) – Mee-zoo choo-die (mee-zoo choh-die)

“水ちょうだい” means “Give me water, please,” casual and polite enough for friends or family.

“ちょうだい” (choudai) is a casual way to say “please give me,” often used with close people.

Great for beginners because it’s short and polite enough for everyday use.

Watch out: It’s not formal, so avoid using it with strangers or in business contexts.

Example: “ちょっと水ちょうだい！” (Chotto mizu choudai!) “Hey, can I have some water?”

Perfect for casual requests when feeling thirsty.

5. 喉かわいたから、水飲みたい (Nodo kawaita kara, mizu nomitai) – No-do ka-wai-ta ka-ra mee-zoo no-mee-tie (no-doh kah-wah-ee-tah kah-rah mee-zoo no-mee-tie)

This phrase means “I’m thirsty, so I want to drink water.”

It’s a slightly longer sentence that connects the feeling with the action using “から” (kara) meaning “because.”

Great for practicing sentence building and expressing cause and effect.

Keep in mind the verb “飲みたい” (nomitai) means “want to drink,” which adds clarity.

Example: “喉かわいたから、水飲みたい。” (Nodo kawaita kara, mizu nomitai.)

Using this helps you sound more expressive and clear.

6. 喉が渇いてる (Nodo ga kawaite ru) – No-do gah kah-wah-ee-teh roo (no-doh gah kah-wah-ee-teh roo)

This is the present progressive form, meaning “I’m thirsty” or “My throat is drying.”

It’s useful when you want to sound like you’re currently feeling thirsty.

“渇いてる” (kawaite ru) is a contracted form of “渇いている” (kawaite iru), which is common in casual speech.

Perfect for beginners to recognize natural spoken forms.

Example: “今、喉が渇いてる。” (Ima, nodo ga kawaite ru.) “Right now, I’m thirsty.”

It adds immediacy to your statement.

7. 水分が足りない (Suibun ga tarinai) – Swee-boon gah tah-ree-nai (swee-boon gah tah-ree-nye)

This phrase means “I’m lacking fluids” and is more descriptive.

“水分” (suibun) means “moisture” or “fluids,” and “足りない” (tarinai) means “not enough.”

A bit more advanced but useful when talking about hydration in a health context.

Good for learners who want to expand vocabulary around thirst.

Example: “最近、水分が足りない感じがする。” (Saikin, suibun ga tarinai kanji ga suru.) “Lately, I feel like I’m not drinking enough fluids.”

This phrase is practical for health-related conversations.

8. 喉が渇いて死にそう (Nodo ga kawaita shini sou) – No-do gah kah-wah-ee-ta shee-nee so (no-doh gah kah-wah-ee-tah shee-nee soh)

This is a dramatic, humorous expression meaning “I’m so thirsty I feel like I’m dying.”

“死にそう” (shini sou) means “about to die,” used figuratively here to stress extreme thirst.

Great for adding humor or exaggeration in casual talk.

Use with friends or in playful contexts only.

Example: “喉が渇いて死にそうだよ！” (Nodo ga kawaita shini sou da yo!)

This phrase brings some fun to your conversations.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 喉が渇きました (Nodo ga kawakimashita) – No-do gah kah-wah-kee-mah-shee-tah (no-doh gah kah-wah-kee-mah-shee-tah)

This is the polite past tense form of “I’m thirsty.”

Use this when speaking formally or with people you don’t know well.

“ました” (mashita) adds politeness and indicates a completed action, so it means “became thirsty.”

Perfect for polite conversations or business settings.

Example: “少し喉が渇きました。” (Sukoshi nodo ga kawakimashita.) “I’m a little thirsty.”

Using this phrase shows respect and good manners.

10. お水をいただけますか？ (O-mizu o itadakemasu ka?) – Oh-mee-zoo oh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah (oh-mee-zoo oh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah)

This is a very polite way to say “May I have some water?”

“いただけますか” (itadakemasu ka) is a humble, respectful way to request something.

Ideal for restaurants, formal occasions, or when speaking with elders.

Avoid using casual phrases in these situations to show respect.

Example: “お水をいただけますか？” (O-mizu o itadakemasu ka?)

This will get you water politely and smoothly.

11. 喉が渇いております (Nodo ga kawaite orimasu) – No-do gah kah-wah-ee-teh oh-ree-mahss (no-doh gah kah-wah-ee-teh oh-ree-mahss)

This is an extremely polite and humble way to say “I’m thirsty.”

“おります” (orimasu) is the humble form of “います” (imasu), used in formal speech.

Best reserved for very formal speeches or writing.

Not used in casual conversation.

Example: “少し喉が渇いております。” (Sukoshi nodo ga kawaite orimasu.)

Using this phrase shows high-level politeness.

12. お水をお願いします (O-mizu o onegaishimasu) – Oh-mee-zoo oh oh-neh-gai-shee-mahss (oh-mee-zoo oh oh-neh-gai-shee-mahss)

This phrase means “Water, please” and is polite yet straightforward.

“お願いします” (onegaishimasu) is the standard polite way to ask for something.

Use this in restaurants, shops, or with acquaintances.

It’s a useful phrase that’s easy to remember.

Example: “お水をお願いします。” (O-mizu o onegaishimasu.)

It’s a polite and common request.

13. 喉が渇きましたので、水を頂けますか？ (Nodo ga kawakimashita node, mizu o itadakemasu ka?) – No-do gah kah-wah-kee-mahsh-tah noh-deh mee-zoo oh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss kah

This is a formal, complete sentence meaning “I became thirsty, so may I have water?”

“ので” (node) means “because,” linking the cause and request.

It’s perfect for polite emails or formal speech.

Remember to pronounce carefully for clarity.

Example: “喉が渇きましたので、水を頂けますか？”

This phrase combines politeness and reason smoothly.

14. すみません、喉が渇きました (Sumimasen, nodo ga kawakimashita) – Soo-mee-mah-sen, no-do gah kah-wah-kee-mahsh-tah

This phrase means “Excuse me, I’m thirsty.”

“すみません” (sumimasen) is used to politely get attention or apologize.

Combining it with “喉が渇きました” makes your request polite and considerate.

Great for public places or when addressing staff.

Example: “すみません、喉が渇きました。お水をいただけますか？”

This approach is respectful and effective.

15. お水をいただけますでしょうか？ (O-mizu o itadakemasu deshou ka?) – Oh-mee-zoo oh ee-tah-dah-keh-mahss deh-sho kah

This is an even more polite and formal variation of asking for water.

“でしょうか” adds softness and deference to the request.

Use this in very formal situations or when addressing superiors.

It’s a good phrase to learn for professional settings.

Example: “お水をいただけますでしょうか？”

It shows deep respect and courtesy.

16. 喉が渇いておりますので、水をお願いできますか？ (Nodo ga kawaite orimasu node, mizu o onegai dekimasu ka?) – No-do gah kah-wah-ee-teh oh-ree-mahss noh-deh mee-zoo oh oh-neh-gai deh-kee-mahss kah

This phrase combines humble expression of thirst and a polite request.

It’s lengthy but sounds very respectful and polished.

Good for formal presentations or letters.

Practice breaking it into parts to remember.

Example: “喉が渇いておりますので、水をお願いできますか？”

This shows advanced language use and politeness.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. のどペコペコ (Nodo peko peko) – No-do peh-koh peh-koh

This is a playful, very casual phrase meaning “My throat is starving.”

“ペコペコ” (peko peko) is often used to describe hunger or thirst in a cute way.

Mostly used among close friends or young people.

It’s fun and easy to remember because of the repeated sound.

Example: “のどペコペコだから水ちょうだい！” (Nodo peko peko dakara mizu choudai!)

Great for informal chats or texting.

18. ガブガブ飲みたい (Gabu gabu nomitai) – Gah-boo gah-boo no-mee-tie

This phrase means “I want to gulp down (drink) a lot.”

“ガブガブ” (gabu gabu) is onomatopoeia for gulping sounds.

It’s casual, vivid, and shows you’re really thirsty.

Use it with friends or informal settings.

Example: “今日は暑くて、ガブガブ飲みたい！” (Kyou wa atsukute, gabu gabu nomitai!) “It’s hot today, I want to drink a lot!”

Fun and expressive phrase to use.

19. カラカラだよ！ (Karakara da yo!) – Kah-rah-kah-rah dah yoh

“カラカラだよ！” means “I’m completely dry!”

It’s a short, native-like expression to stress thirst.

“だよ” (da yo) adds emphasis and a friendly tone.

Use it to sound more natural and expressive.

Example: “マジで、カラカラだよ！” (Maji de, karakara da yo!) “Seriously, I’m so thirsty!”

It’s perfect for casual conversations.

20. 水分補給したい (Suibun hokyuu shitai) – Swee-boon ho-kyoo shee-tie

This means “I want to hydrate” or “I want fluid replenishment.”

It’s a native-like, slightly formal phrase used especially in sports or health contexts.

Good for learners who want to sound more natural but still clear.

Example: “運動したから、水分補給したい。” (Undou shita kara, suibun hokyuu shitai.)

It’s practical and versatile.

21. 喉乾いちゃった (Nodo kawaitchatta) – No-do kah-wah-ee-chah-tah

This is a casual, native-like contraction meaning “I got thirsty.”

“ちゃった” (chatta) shows completed action with a feeling of slight surprise or regret.

Perfect for informal speech and friendly chats.

Example: “喉乾いちゃった、何か飲もう！”

It sounds natural and relatable.

22. 飲み物欲しいな (Nomimono hoshii na) – No-mee-moh-noh ho-shee nah

This phrase means “I want a drink” in a casual, native tone.

“な” (na) adds a soft, reflective nuance.

Great for everyday use when you want to express thirst indirectly.

Example: “今日は暑くて飲み物欲しいな。”

It’s friendly and easy to use.

23. 飲みたい気分だ (Nomitai kibun da) – No-mee-tie kee-boon dah

This means “I’m in the mood to drink.”

It’s a casual, conversational way to express thirst or desire for a drink.

“気分” (kibun) means mood or feeling.

Example: “ちょっと飲みたい気分だ。”

Perfect for relaxed conversations.

24. ゴクゴク飲みたい (Goku goku nomitai) – Goh-koo goh-koo no-mee-tie

This phrase means “I want to gulp down (drink heartily).”

“ゴクゴク” (goku goku) is onomatopoeia for gulping sounds, similar to “ガブガブ.”

It’s lively and very native-like.

Example: “試合後にゴクゴク飲みたい！”

Use this to sound energetic and natural.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 Japanese phrases to say “I’m thirsty” shows just how expressive and varied one simple feeling can be in another language.

From casual chats to polite requests and native-like expressions, you’re now equipped to handle any thirsty situation with style and confidence.

Keep practicing, have fun with these phrases, and enjoy every sip of your language-learning journey!