French word

soif

Pronunciation

IPA/swaf/

Meaning

  • feminine nounthirst

Example

J'ai soif.

I am thirsty.

Illustration for soif (thirst)

More examples

Il a bu de l'eau pour étancher sa soif.

He drank water to slake his thirst.

Core concept

A dry mouth or throat creates a physical pull toward water.

Common phrases

  • avoir soif

    feel thirsty

  • étancher la soif

    slake one's thirst

  • satisfaire la soif

    satisfy one's thirst

Similar words

faim: The physical sensation of needing food.
envie: A feeling of wanting to do or have something.
besoin: A state of needing something essential for life or an activity.

Definition in French

Sensation physique de besoin de boire, généralement provoquée par la sécheresse de la bouche ou de la gorge.

Word origin

French soif developed from Latin sitis through Old French forms, with historical sound changes shaping its modern spelling.

Usage tips

  • French uses avoir in J'ai soif, whereas English uses be in 'I am thirsty'.

Other meanings

  • longingnoun
  • desirenoun

Related words

  • assoiffementthirstinessnoun
  • assoifféthirstyadjective

Word lists with this word