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How to say it · How you feel

Saying I'm hungry

Your stomach is rumbling and you want food. "I'm hungry" works, but fluent speakers have a different line for a small snack, a polite hint and a real emergency.

6 ways to say it
Sam, just back from football, stares into an almost empty fridge, dreaming of a full plate.
How strongMildIntense
I'm starvingbest defaultI'm a bit peckishsnack hungryI could eatdry understatementIs anyone else hungry?polite hintI haven't eaten all daythe reasonI'm getting hangryfunny warning

Way 1 · best default

I'm starving

The everyday way to say you're really hungry. It's not about real starving, just a big appetite right now.

How strongIntense
ToneCasual
Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm starving. What's for dinner?

Can we eat first? I'm starving after that walk.

In a conversation

A: How was football?
B: Great, but I'm starving. Is there any pasta left?

Common mistake

Not: I'm very starving.

Say: I'm starving.

"Starving" is already extreme, so "very" sounds odd. If you want more, say "I'm absolutely starving".

Practice saying this
Next: I'm a bit peckish

Way 2 · snack hungry

I'm a bit peckish

Slightly hungry. You want a biscuit or a sandwich, not a full meal.

How strongVery mild
ToneCasual
Use itWith friends

Examples

I'm a bit peckish. Have we got any crisps?

I was a bit peckish, so I grabbed a banana on the way.

Practice saying this
Next: I could eat

Way 3 · dry understatement

I could eat

You weren't thinking about food, but you're happy to eat if someone suggests it. Often said with a smile.

How strongMild
ToneCasual
Use itWith friends

Examples

Pizza? Yeah, I could eat.

I've only had a coffee today, so I could definitely eat.

In a conversation

A: We're getting a takeaway. Do you want anything?
B: Go on then, I could eat.

Practice saying this
Next: Is anyone else hungry?

Way 4 · polite hint

Is anyone else hungry?

You raise the idea of food with a group without sounding demanding. Good in meetings or on trips.

How strongMild
ToneNeutral
Use itAt work

Examples

It's nearly one. Is anyone else hungry?

Sorry to interrupt, but is anyone else hungry? We could order in.

In a conversation

A: OK, let's go through the last few slides.
B: Before we do, is anyone else hungry? It's been three hours.

Practice saying this
Next: I haven't eaten all day

Way 5 · the reason

I haven't eaten all day

Explains why you're so hungry, or why you're eating so fast. People will usually feel for you.

How strongMiddle
ToneNeutral
Use itAnywhere

Examples

Sorry for wolfing this down. I haven't eaten all day.

No wonder you've got a headache if you haven't eaten all day.

Common mistake

Not: I didn't eat all day today.

Say: I haven't eaten all day.

The day isn't over yet, so English uses the present perfect: "I haven't eaten", not "I didn't eat".

Practice saying this
Next: I'm getting hangry

Way 6 · funny warning

I'm getting hangry

Hungry + angry. A joke that says you're so hungry you're starting to get grumpy, so feed me soon.

How strongVery intense
ToneCasual
Use itWith friends

Examples

Can we stop somewhere? I'm getting hangry.

Sorry I snapped. I think I'm just getting hangry.

In a conversation

A: Why are you so grumpy?
B: I'm getting hangry. Dinner was meant to be an hour ago.

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.

The mistake learners make

What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.

Not: I want to eat.

Say: I'm starving. Shall we get something to eat?

"I want to eat" sounds like a child. Adults name the feeling, then suggest a plan.

Now say it out loud

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

I'm starvingI'm a bit peckishI could eatIs anyone else hungry?

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