A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm hungry" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'I'm hungry' in Spanish using the correct verb, which literally translates to 'I have hunger'.
Tengo hambre.
TEN-go AM-brehneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when you are ready to eat at a restaurant or suggesting a meal to friends. It is the standard way to express your appetite in any social setting.
Alternatives
- Me muero de hambre.Use this when you are extremely hungry.
- Tengo un poco de hambre.Use this when you are only slightly hungry.
- Se me antoja comer algo.Use this when you have a specific craving.
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'estoy'
Never say 'estoy hambre' because Spanish uses the verb 'tener' (to have) for hunger, not 'estar' (to be).
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, food is a central social activity, so stating your hunger is often seen as a polite way to initiate a lunch or dinner plan.
Frequently asked
Why do I say I have hunger instead of I am hungry?
Spanish speakers view hunger as a physical possession or state you 'have' rather than a permanent personality trait. It is just a grammatical difference between the two languages.
How do I say I am very hungry?
You can add the word 'mucha' before 'hambre' to say 'Tengo mucha hambre'. This emphasizes that your hunger level is quite high.
Is it rude to say I am hungry to a host?
It is generally not rude, but it is more polite to wait for the host to offer food. If you are very close with the host, saying it casually is perfectly fine.
How do you say 'I'm hungry' in Mexico?
In Mexico, you would say 'Tengo hambre,' just like in most other Spanish-speaking countries. Regional variations in expressing hunger are uncommon.
How do you say 'hungry' in Spanish slang?
A common slang term for being very hungry is 'estar como una cabra,' which literally means 'to be like a goat.' Another informal way is 'tener un hambre que te mueres,' meaning 'to have a hunger that kills you.'
How do you politely say you're hungry in Spanish?
The standard and polite way to say you're hungry is 'Tengo hambre.' You can add 'por favor' (please) if you are asking someone to provide food, like 'Tengo hambre, por favor.'
Why is it 'tengo hambre'?
Spanish uses the verb 'tener' (to have) to express states like hunger, thirst, and cold. So, literally, you 'have hunger' rather than 'are hungry.'
