Significado
Feeling the need to eat.
Contexto cultural
The 'Grandmother' (Yiayia) effect: If you say you are hungry in a Greek home, expect a three-course meal within minutes. It is culturally impossible for a Greek host to let a guest remain hungry. In Cyprus, the hospitality is equally intense. The phrase might be pronounced with a slightly harder 'n' sound, but the sentiment of 'Meze' culture remains: you start hungry and leave very full. Second-generation Greeks often use 'I'm hungry' in English but keep the cultural expectation of a massive Greek meal. The phrase 'Είμαι πεινασμένος' is one of the few many heritage speakers retain. In Greek sports media, 'πεινασμένος' is frequently used to describe young athletes from poor backgrounds who have a 'hunger' to succeed and escape poverty.
Gender Check
Always look at who you are talking to or about. If it's a girl, use 'πεινασμένη'. If it's a group of people, use 'πεινασμένοι'.
Don't say 'Έχω πεινασμένος'
This is a literal translation from Spanish/French. In Greek, you ARE hungry, you don't HAVE hungry-person.
Significado
Feeling the need to eat.
Gender Check
Always look at who you are talking to or about. If it's a girl, use 'πεινασμένη'. If it's a group of people, use 'πεινασμένοι'.
Don't say 'Έχω πεινασμένος'
This is a literal translation from Spanish/French. In Greek, you ARE hungry, you don't HAVE hungry-person.
Add 'ψοφάω'
If you want to sound like a local, say 'Ψοφάω στην πείνα' (I'm croaking from hunger). It's very common and very Greek.
The Polite Refusal
If you are full but a host offers more, say 'Ευχαριστώ, δεν είμαι πεινασμένος πια' (Thanks, I'm not hungry anymore).
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'πεινασμένος' based on the subject.
Η Μαρία είναι ________.
Maria is feminine, so the adjective must end in -μένη.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'We are hungry'?
How do you say 'We are hungry'?
'Είμαστε' is the 'we' form of the verb 'to be'.
Match the Greek phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the basic tense and gender variations.
Complete the dialogue.
Γιάννη, θέλεις πίτσα; Ναι, ________ πολύ!
Giannis is answering for himself, so he uses 'είμαι' (I am).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Gender Agreement for 'Hungry'
Masculine
- • Είμαι πεινασμένος
Feminine
- • Είμαι πεινασμένη
Plural
- • Είμαστε πεινασμένοι
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΗ Μαρία είναι ________.
Maria is feminine, so the adjective must end in -μένη.
How do you say 'We are hungry'?
'Είμαστε' is the 'we' form of the verb 'to be'.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are the basic tense and gender variations.
Γιάννη, θέλεις πίτσα; Ναι, ________ πολύ!
Giannis is answering for himself, so he uses 'είμαι' (I am).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasSlightly. 'Πεινάω' is the everyday verb. 'Είμαι πεινασμένος' is more descriptive of your state, but both are used in casual conversation.
Yes! 'Ο γάτος είναι πεινασμένος' (The cat is hungry) is perfectly correct.
It is 'πεινασμένες'. For example: 'Οι γυναίκες είναι πεινασμένες'.
It might sound a bit too strong. For a snack, use 'Έχω μια λιγούρα'.
Add the word 'πολύ' (poly): 'Είμαι πολύ πεινασμένος'.
Yes, 'Πεινάω σαν λύκος' (I'm hungry like a wolf) is the most common slangy/idiomatic version.
Yes, the verb 'είμαι' changes to 'ήμουν': 'Ήμουν πεινασμένος'. The adjective stays the same.
In Greek, when 'σ' (s) comes before 'μ' (m), it is voiced and sounds like 'z'. So it's 'pinazmenos'.
Yes, 'πεινασμένος για εξουσία' is a common metaphorical use in news and politics.
If you are talking about yourself, you should know your gender! If talking about a mixed group, use the masculine plural 'πεινασμένοι'.
Frases relacionadas
Πεινάω σαν λύκος
specialized formI'm hungry like a wolf
Πεθαίνω της πείνας
similarI'm dying of hunger
Έχω μια λιγούρα
specialized formI have a craving
Χορτάτος
contrastFull / satisfied
Νηστικός
similarOn an empty stomach / fasting
