tener sed
Lemma Details
Translation: to be thirsty; to have thirst
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'tener' (to have) and 'sed' (thirst). 'Tener' comes from Latin 'tenere' (to hold, possess), related to English words like 'tenant' and 'tenure'. 'Sed' derives from Latin 'sitis' (thirst), which has no direct English cognates. Unlike English, which uses the adjective 'thirsty', Spanish expresses this state as 'having thirst', following a pattern used for many physical and emotional states in Spanish.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'sed' as similar to 'thirst' with the 'th' removed and the 'irst' condensed to just 's'.
- Remember that Spanish uses 'tener' (to have) for many physical states where English uses 'to be' + adjective.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is one of the most basic physiological expressions in Spanish. In Spanish-speaking countries, especially in hot climates, offering water to guests is considered basic hospitality, and expressing thirst is never considered impolite.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Tener set' is not a correct Spanish phrase. 'Set' is an English word that might be confused with 'sed' due to similar pronunciation for English speakers.
Notes: English speakers might mispronounce 'sed' with a final 't' sound instead of 'd', leading to this confusion.
Mnemonic: Remember 'sed' ends with 'd' for 'drink', which is what you need when thirsty.
Explanation: 'Tener sueño' means 'to be sleepy', while 'tener sed' means 'to be thirsty'. Both are physical states expressed with 'tener' + noun.
Confused word:
Tengo sueño, voy a dormir.
I'm sleepy, I'm going to sleep.
Notes: Both expressions follow the same grammatical pattern of 'tener' + noun to express a physical state.
Mnemonic: 'Sed' is short like a quick drink, while 'sueño' is longer like a long sleep.