Tengo hambre
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico "I am hungry" is Tengo hambre. For stronger hunger say Me muero de hambre, "I am dying of hunger", and for casual talk Ya quiero comer, "I already want to eat".
Meaning: statement of needing food (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| Tengo hambre | everyday, Mexico |
| Ya quiero comer | casual |
| Me muero de hambre | very hungry |
People answer Tengo hambre to an offer of food, or add un poquito to be polite when offered more.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use tener for hunger, so tengo hambre and tienes hambre. Saying estoy hambriento is correct but sounds literary.
When do people say it?
In Mexico the main meal, the comida, is eaten in the early afternoon, so many people feel hungry around two o'clock.
Did you know?
- The comida is the big midday meal in Mexico, and it is often followed by a short sobremesa chat at the table.
Examples in context
- Tengo hambre, ¿qué hay de comer?I am hungry, what is there to eat?
- Me muero de hambre.I am starving.
- Ya quiero comer.I already want to eat.
Example conversation
Chuy comes home from school and finds his mother in the kitchen in Puebla.
- ChuyMamá, tengo hambre.Mom, I am hungry.
- MamáYa casi está la comida.Lunch is almost ready.
- Chuy¿Qué hiciste hoy?What did you make today?
