A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm starving" in Italian
Express extreme hunger in Italian with this common, vivid idiom.
Ho una fame da lupi!
oh oo-NAH FAH-meh dah LOO-peecasual
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're absolutely ravenous, perhaps after a long day of sightseeing or a strenuous activity. It's a strong, colorful way to tell friends or family you need to eat, pronto!
Alternatives
- Ho molta fame.This is a more direct and less colorful way to say you're hungry.
- Sto morendo di fame.This is also a strong idiom, very common and a good alternative.
Ways to get it wrong
Fame vs. Fame
Remember 'fame' in Italian means hunger, not celebrity.
Lupi pronunciation
Make sure to pronounce the double 'p' in 'lupi' for clarity.
A small cultural note
Italians often use vivid imagery and hyperbole when expressing strong feelings, including hunger. This idiom is a great example of that colorful language.
Frequently asked
What does 'Ho una fame da lupi' literally mean?
It literally translates to 'I have a hunger of wolves'. It's an idiom to express extreme hunger.
Can I use 'Ho una fame da lupi' with strangers?
It's generally best to stick to more neutral phrases like 'Ho molta fame' with people you don't know well. This idiom is quite strong.
Are there other animal idioms for hunger?
Yes, Italians have several colorful idioms. 'Sto morendo di fame' (I'm dying of hunger) is another very common and strong expression.
