Significado
Being extremely hungry.
Contexto cultural
The wolf is a central figure in Latvian mythology and 'dainas' (folk songs). It is often called 'Dieva suns' (God's dog). In all Baltic cultures (Latvian, Lithuanian), the wolf represents the wild, untamed nature that surrounds human settlements. Latvians value 'sātīgums' (heartiness) in food. Being hungry as a wolf implies you are ready for a sātīga maltīte (hearty meal). Despite moving to cities, Latvians remain connected to nature. This idiom is used by city dwellers just as much as rural folk.
Gender is Key
Always check if you need to say 'izsalkis' (male) or 'izsalkusi' (female). It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Sound Native
Drop the 'Esmu' (I am) and just say 'Izsalkis kā vilks!' with an exhausted sigh for maximum native effect.
Significado
Being extremely hungry.
Gender is Key
Always check if you need to say 'izsalkis' (male) or 'izsalkusi' (female). It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Sound Native
Drop the 'Esmu' (I am) and just say 'Izsalkis kā vilks!' with an exhausted sigh for maximum native effect.
Not for Dates
Maybe don't use this on a first date at a fancy restaurant—it might make you look a bit too eager to eat everything on the table!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'izsalkis' based on the subject.
Anna nav ēdusi visu dienu. Viņa ir ________ kā vilks.
Anna is feminine singular, so the adjective must end in -usi.
Which animal is used in the Latvian idiom for being very hungry?
Esmu izsalkis kā ________.
The wolf (vilks) is the standard animal for this idiom in Latvian.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Vai tu gribi ēst? B: Jā, ________!
This is the most common idiomatic way to express strong hunger in a casual conversation.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You just finished a 5-hour marathon.
Extreme physical exertion leads to extreme hunger, making the idiom appropriate.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Hunger Levels in Latvian
Slight
- • Gribu uzkost
- • Mazliet gribas ēst
Normal
- • Esmu izsalcis
- • Gribu pusdienas
Extreme
- • Izsalkis kā vilks
- • Nomirt badā
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosAnna nav ēdusi visu dienu. Viņa ir ________ kā vilks.
Anna is feminine singular, so the adjective must end in -usi.
Esmu izsalkis kā ________.
The wolf (vilks) is the standard animal for this idiom in Latvian.
A: Vai tu gribi ēst? B: Jā, ________!
This is the most common idiomatic way to express strong hunger in a casual conversation.
You just finished a 5-hour marathon.
Extreme physical exertion leads to extreme hunger, making the idiom appropriate.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot really. It's specifically for when you are very, very hungry. For a small hunger, just say 'Es gribu kaut ko uzkost' (I want to have a snack).
Both are understood, but 'izsalkis' is the standard form used in this specific idiom.
No, 'vilks' stays in the nominative masculine singular because it's the object of comparison. Only the adjective 'izsalkis' changes.
No, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's great for friends and family.
Use the plural: 'Mēs esam izsalkuši kā vilki.'
In Latvian, 'vilks' is the standard. Using 'suns' (dog) or 'kaķis' (cat) would sound strange and incorrect.
Only in a very casual email to a close friend. Avoid it in professional correspondence.
It's a long 'a', like 'kaa'. Don't make it short like the English 'cat'.
Yes, 'Man ir nenormāls hāve' (I have an abnormal hunger/craving) is very slangy, but 'izsalkis kā vilks' is much more common.
No! It means you are as hungry AS a wolf is.
Frases relacionadas
vilka dūša
similarA wolf's appetite/courage
nomirt badā
synonymTo die of hunger
paēdis kā kungs
contrastFull as a lord
vēders kurkst
builds onStomach is rumbling
