French dictionary

soif/swaf/

noun · A2 · Frequency 2478

nounfeminine

Meanings

  1. thirst

    Refers to the physical sensation of needing to drink; commonly used in everyday contexts.

  2. thirst, desire

    Indicates a strong wish or desire; often used metaphorically.

Examples

  • Après la course, j'ai soif.

    After the race, I am thirsty.

  • Elle a soif de nouvelles expériences.

    She has a thirst for new experiences.

  • La soif m'a réveillé pendant la randonnée.

    Thirst woke me up during the hike.

Collocations

  • étancher sa soifquench one's thirst
  • une soif de libertéa thirst for freedom

Common mistakes

  • Je suis soif après le sport.

    J'ai soif après le sport.

    For the meaning of thirst, soif is used with avoir: French says j'ai soif, not an expression with être.

Related words

  • synonymenviedesire

  • antonymsatiétésatiety

  • synonymdésirwish, desire

nounfeminine

Meanings

  1. thirst

    Refers to the physical sensation of needing to drink; commonly used in everyday contexts.

  2. thirst, desire

    Indicates a strong wish or desire; often used metaphorically.

Examples

  • Après la randonnée, les soifs des marcheurs ont été vite apaisées.

    After the hike, the walkers' thirsts were quickly relieved.

  • Les soifs des coureurs augmentent sous le soleil de midi.

    The runners' thirsts increase under the midday sun.

  • Les soifs de liberté ont motivé les jeunes militants.

    Thirsts for freedom motivated the young activists.

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Verb conjugation