tu as faim ?
The English phrase "are you hungry?" is translated into French as tu as faim ?
This question is used to ask if someone wants something to eat. You might use it when offering food such as Pain (bread), Fromage (cheese), Soupe (soup), Poulet (chicken), Salade (salad) or Dessert (dessert).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "you have hunger?" because French uses the verb to have rather than to be to express hunger.
Which one should you use?
The form tu as faim ? is used when addressing one person informally. If you are addressing a group of people or a single person in a formal context, use vous avez faim ? instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the state of being hungry, you must use the construction avoir faim (to have hunger).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying tu es faim ? While this follows the English logic of "to be hungry," it is grammatically incorrect in French.
When do people say it?
A natural response to this question is Oui, j'ai faim (Yes, I am hungry) or Non, je n'ai pas faim (No, I am not hungry).
Did you know?
- Because faim (hunger) and fin (end) are homophones, French speakers often make puns playing on the idea of hunger reaching its end.
- In French, you do not just 'have hunger' avoir faim, but you also 'have thirst' avoir soif and 'have heat' avoir chaud to describe being hot.
- In very casual settings, French speakers often drop the subject and verb entirely, simply asking Faim ? with a rising tone to mean 'Hungry?'
Examples in context
- Et toi? Tu as faim?And you? Are you hungry?
- Dis, tu as faim ?Say, are you hungry?
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are walking home from a movie.
- EmmaTu as faim ?Are you hungry?
- LucasOui, j'ai très faim.Yes, I am very hungry.
- EmmaOn va manger quelque chose ?Shall we eat something?
- LucasBonne idée, Emma.Good idea, Emma.
