How to say it · How you feel

Being completely exhausted

You've had a long day, a long week, or no sleep at all. "I'm tired" feels too small, but some tired words only fit with friends.

6 ways to say it

How strongMildExtreme

I'm exhaustedbest default I'm shatteredbritish casual I'm a bit worn outsoft and mild I'm completely drainedmentally tired I'm running on emptystill going I'm dead on my feetcan barely stand

Way 1 · best default

I'm exhausted

Clearly more than tired. Safe with friends, family and your boss.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm exhausted. I've been on my feet since six this morning.

Sorry if I'm quiet, I'm completely exhausted after the trip.

In a conversation

A: You look like you need a sit-down.
B: I do. I'm exhausted, the baby was up all night.

Common mistake

Not: I'm ~~very~~ exhausted.

Say: I'm completely exhausted.

"Exhausted" is already extreme, so English uses "completely" or "absolutely", not "very".

Practice saying this

Next: I'm shattered

Way 2 · british casual

I'm shattered

Very tired, the everyday British way. Relaxed and friendly, not for formal emails.

How strongExtreme

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

I'm shattered, I think I'll skip the pub tonight.

We walked all over the city and now I'm shattered.

In a conversation

A: Fancy a film later?
B: I'd love to, but I'm shattered. Tomorrow?

Practice saying this

Next: I'm a bit worn out

Way 3 · soft and mild

I'm a bit worn out

Tired after effort, but nothing a rest won't fix. Gentle and calm.

How strongVery mild

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm a bit worn out after the hike, but it was worth it.

The kids were lovely, but I'm a bit worn out now.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm completely drained

Way 4 · mentally tired

I'm completely drained

Your energy is gone inside, often after stress or emotion, not just physical work.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

That meeting went on for three hours. I'm completely drained.

After the funeral, I was completely drained for days.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm running on empty

Way 5 · still going

I'm running on empty

You have no energy left, but you have to keep going anyway.

How strongExtreme

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm running on empty, but I need to finish this report tonight.

She's been running on empty since the new job started.

In a conversation

A: Can you stay another hour and help with the stock?
B: I'll try, but I'm running on empty here.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm dead on my feet

Way 6 · can barely stand

I'm dead on my feet

So tired you can hardly stand up. Usually after hours of physical work.

How strongVery extreme

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

After a double shift at the restaurant, I'm dead on my feet.

By the end of the wedding, we were all dead on our feet.

Common mistake

Not: I'm ~~tired to death.~~

Say: I'm dead on my feet.

A word-for-word translation doesn't work here. English puts the "dead" on your feet.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I'm exhausted I'm shattered I'm a bit worn out I'm completely drained

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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