Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "thirsty" with 口渴 (kǒukě)

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 口渴 + 了

    Explanation

    The adjective 口渴 (kǒukě) means "thirsty" and is the most common everyday way to express the feeling of needing a drink. It combines 口 (mouth) and 渴 (thirsty). Unlike 渴 alone, 口渴 is the standard form used in modern spoken Chinese.

    Examples

    • 我口渴了，附近有卖水的地方吗？

      Wǒ kǒukě le, fùjìn yǒu mài shuǐ de dìfang ma?

      I'm thirsty—is there a place nearby that sells water?

    • 跑完步之后特别口渴，一口气喝了三杯水。

      Pǎo wán bù zhīhòu tèbié kǒukě, yī kǒuqì hē le sān bēi shuǐ.

      After running, I was especially thirsty and drank three glasses of water in one go.

    • 你口渴的话，冰箱里有果汁。

      Nǐ kǒukě de huà, bīngxiāng lǐ yǒu guǒzhī.

      If you're thirsty, there's juice in the fridge.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing "thirsty" with 口渴 (kǒukě) | Chinese Grammar