I am hungry
A more literal and slightly more formal or emphatic way to say you are hungry. 'Tengo hambre' is much more common in daily conversation.
A common, informal exaggeration meaning 'I'm starving' or 'I'm dying of hunger'.
This means 'I have an appetite'. It's a slightly softer, more polite way to express that you are ready to eat.
Mom, I'm hungry. Can we eat now?
I didn't eat breakfast. Now I'm starving.
Are you guys hungry? I know a good taco spot.
After the game, all the players were hungry.
The phrase 'Tengo hambre' is the standard and most universally understood way to say 'I am hungry' across the entire Spanish-speaking world, including Spain and all of Latin America.
It's very common to hear 'Traigo un hambre...' (literally 'I'm carrying a hunger...'). For example, 'Traigo un hambre feroz' ('I'm ferociously hungry').
A very common and informal expression is 'Tengo un filo', which literally means 'I have a blade'. It's used colloquially to mean you are very hungry.
You will often hear 'Tengo un hambre...', which is a slightly more emphatic way of expressing hunger. For example, 'Tengo un hambre bárbaro' ('I'm incredibly hungry').
Using 'Estoy hambre' instead of 'Tengo hambre'. — In Spanish, physical states like hunger, thirst, cold, and heat are expressed with the verb 'tener' (to have), not 'estar' (to be). You 'have' hunger ('Tengo hambre'), you don't 'are' hungry.
Defaulting to 'Estoy hambriento/a'. — While grammatically correct, 'Estoy hambriento' is a direct translation that sounds more formal or literary. For everyday conversation, 'Tengo hambre' is far more natural and common.
Saying 'Soy hambre'. — This is incorrect. 'Soy' (from the verb 'ser') is used for permanent characteristics or identity (e.g., 'Soy alto' - I am tall). Hunger is a temporary state, so 'ser' is never used for it. Always use 'tener'.
Found this useful? Save it for later.
how to say i want in spanish
phrase