Which one should you use?
While Estoy lleno literally translates to "I am full," you can also use Tengo el estómago lleno to more literally say "My stomach is full." Both are common ways to express satiety.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear Estoy repleto(a) to mean "I am full" or "I am stuffed."
How does it change in a sentence?
This expression uses the verb estar to describe the temporary state of being full, rather than the verb tener. Additionally, you must ensure gender agreement: if the speaker is female, the adjective must change from lleno to llena (e.g., Estoy llena).
How do you pronounce it?
/estoi ʝeno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Soy lleno. English speakers often mistakenly use soy instead of estoy, but soy implies a permanent characteristic, whereas estoy correctly describes the temporary state of being full.
Did you know?
- In some regions, the expression estoy hasta arriba is used colloquially to say one is full, literally meaning 'I am up to the top'.
- The word lleno comes from the Latin plēnus, making it a direct relative of the English word 'plenty'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, rather than just saying Estoy lleno, it is common to express gratitude to the host by saying Todo estaba muy rico, meaning 'Everything was very delicious'.
Examples in context
- No puedo comer más, estoy llenoI can't eat anymore, I'm full
- Estoy repleta después de esa comidaI am full after that meal
- Muchas gracias, pero estoy lleno.Thank you very much, but I am full.
- No puedo comer más, estoy lleno.I cannot eat more, I am full.
- Después de la cena, estoy lleno.After dinner, I am full.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are finishing a large meal at a restaurant.
- Sofía¿Quieres un poco más de postre, Daniel?Do you want a little more dessert, Daniel?
- DanielNo, gracias, estoy lleno.No, thanks, I am full.
- Sofía¡Qué rápido comiste!You ate so fast!
- DanielLa comida estaba muy buena.The food was very good.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lleno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
