Me is hyngrig
The English phrase "I am hungry" is translated into Old English as Me is hyngrig.
This phrase is used to express a physical need for food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "To me is hungry."
How does it change in a sentence?
Instead of using the nominative pronoun ic (I), this phrase uses the dative pronoun Me to indicate the person experiencing the sensation.
Did you know?
- The structure of Me is hyngrig is similar to how modern speakers of German still say Mir ist kalt to mean 'I am cold'.
- The Old English word for 'hungry', hyngrig, is the direct ancestor of the modern English word 'hungry'.
Examples in context
- Me is hyngrig æfter þæm weorce.I am hungry after the work.
- Ealra mæst, me is hyngrig.Most of all, I am hungry.
Example conversation
Eadgyth and Æthelstan are walking home from the fields.
- EadgythMe is hyngrig.I am hungry.
- ÆthelstanIc eom ēac hyngrig.I am hungry too.
- EadgythHwǣr is se hlāf?Where is the bread?
- ÆthelstanHē is æt hām.It is at home.
