hunger
hunger 30초 만에
- Hunger is primarily the physical sensation of needing food, often felt as a gnawing or hollow feeling in the stomach when energy levels are low.
- It is also used to describe the serious social and humanitarian issue of people not having enough food to survive or stay healthy.
- Metaphorically, hunger represents a powerful desire or ambition for something non-physical, such as a hunger for power, knowledge, or success.
- Grammatically, hunger is an uncountable noun, and it is important to distinguish it from the adjective 'hungry' used to describe how a person feels.
Hunger is a fundamental physiological signal, a complex biological mechanism that alerts an organism to the necessity of consuming nutrients to maintain homeostasis and energy levels. In its most basic sense, hunger is the physical sensation located in the epigastric region, often described as a hollow or gnawing feeling, which arises when the stomach is empty and blood glucose levels drop. However, the term 'hunger' extends far beyond the simple biological urge to eat; it encompasses a wide spectrum of meanings ranging from the individual experience of missing a meal to the systemic, chronic condition of food insecurity that affects millions of people globally. When we speak of hunger in a daily context, we are usually referring to the temporary discomfort that precedes a meal. In contrast, in humanitarian and sociological contexts, hunger refers to a protracted state of malnutrition and the inability to access sufficient caloric intake over an extended period. This distinction is crucial for learners to understand, as the word shifts in weight depending on whether it is used in a casual conversation or a formal report on global health. Furthermore, hunger is frequently used metaphorically to describe an intense, driving desire for something non-physical, such as power, knowledge, or affection. This figurative use mirrors the physical urgency of the word, suggesting that the person feels an almost physical need to satisfy their ambition or curiosity.
- Biological Hunger
- The internal drive to seek food triggered by hormones like ghrelin and the nervous system's response to low energy reserves.
- Social Hunger
- The state of a population lacking consistent access to food, often discussed in terms of 'world hunger' or 'ending hunger'.
- Metaphorical Hunger
- A strong craving or ambition, such as a 'hunger for success' or a 'hunger for change'.
After the long hike through the mountains, the group felt a sharp hunger that only a large meal could satisfy.
The young student's hunger for knowledge led her to spend every weekend in the library.
Governments must work together to address the root causes of world hunger and poverty.
He could see the hunger in the athlete's eyes as she approached the finish line.
The charity's mission is to alleviate hunger in urban communities through food banks.
Understanding the nuance of hunger involves recognizing its different intensities. A 'twinge of hunger' is a minor, early sign that you might want to eat soon. A 'gnawing hunger' is more persistent and uncomfortable, suggesting a significant delay since the last meal. 'Ravenous hunger' implies an extreme, almost uncontrollable need to eat immediately. In literature, hunger is often used as a powerful motif to represent lack, longing, or the primal nature of humanity. For instance, a character's hunger might symbolize their exclusion from society or their desperate ambition to climb the social ladder. In political discourse, 'hunger' is a heavy word, often paired with 'strikes' (hunger strikes) to denote a form of non-violent protest where individuals refuse food to draw attention to a cause. This highlights the word's association with sacrifice and the ultimate human stakes. Whether you are describing a late-night craving for a snack or a global crisis involving millions, 'hunger' remains one of the most evocative and essential words in the English language, bridging the gap between our most basic animal instincts and our highest social aspirations.
Using the noun 'hunger' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an uncountable noun in most contexts. While you can feel 'a hunger' for something specific (like success), you generally discuss 'hunger' as a broad concept. When constructing sentences, 'hunger' often acts as the subject or the direct object of verbs that describe experiencing, managing, or ending that state. Common verbs paired with hunger include 'feel', 'suffer from', 'satisfy', 'quell', 'alleviate', and 'ignore'. For example, 'She felt a sharp hunger after skipping breakfast' uses hunger as the object of the feeling. In a more formal or academic setting, you might say, 'The program aims to alleviate hunger in the region,' where hunger represents a social condition. It is also important to distinguish between the physical sensation and the metaphorical desire. When using it metaphorically, it is often followed by the preposition 'for'. You might have a 'hunger for adventure', a 'hunger for justice', or a 'hunger for change'. This structure allows the speaker to convey a deep, intrinsic motivation that is as powerful as the need for food. In terms of sentence placement, 'hunger' can be modified by various adjectives to specify its intensity or nature, such as 'constant', 'growing', 'unbearable', or 'insatiable'.
- Subject Position
- 'Hunger can drive people to do things they never thought possible.' Here, hunger is the force causing the action.
- Object Position
- 'The children satisfied their hunger with some fresh fruit.' Here, hunger is what is being acted upon or resolved.
- Prepositional Phrases
- 'Many people in the world still live in hunger.' This describes a state of existence or a condition.
The persistent hunger made it difficult for the students to concentrate on their exams.
He tried to suppress his hunger by drinking a large glass of water.
Their hunger for new experiences led them to travel to remote parts of the world.
The documentary highlights the reality of hunger in modern society.
She has an insatiable hunger for power that often blinds her to the needs of others.
Advanced learners should also be aware of how 'hunger' interacts with different registers. In formal writing, you might see 'hunger' replaced by 'food insecurity' or 'malnutrition' when referring to social issues, as these terms are more precise. However, 'hunger' remains the most emotionally resonant choice. In creative writing, 'hunger' is often personified or described as a physical entity that 'claws' or 'bites'. For example, 'Hunger was his only companion in the cold cellar.' This use of the noun creates a vivid image of the internal struggle. Additionally, the phrase 'hunger pangs' is a very common way to describe the sudden, sharp pains felt when the stomach is empty. By mastering these different structures and collocations, you can use 'hunger' to express everything from a simple bodily need to a profound human condition or a fierce personal ambition. Always remember to check if you are using the noun 'hunger' where you might actually mean the adjective 'hungry', as this is the most frequent point of confusion for non-native speakers.
The word 'hunger' is ubiquitous in English, appearing in a variety of settings from casual kitchen conversations to high-level international summits. In everyday life, you will hear it most often when people are discussing their immediate physical state. A parent might ask a child, 'Is your hunger satisfied?' or a friend might say, 'I'm starting to feel the hunger after that long walk.' However, as noted before, the adjective 'hungry' is more common in these informal settings. You will hear the noun 'hunger' more frequently in media and news reports, especially when the topic is social welfare or international aid. News anchors often speak about 'fighting world hunger' or 'the growing hunger crisis' in specific regions affected by conflict or drought. This usage frames hunger as a large-scale problem that requires collective action. In the world of sports and business, 'hunger' is a popular buzzword used to describe a person's drive or competitive spirit. A coach might praise a player's 'hunger for the ball' or 'hunger to win', implying that their desire is so strong it mimics a physical need. This metaphorical usage is very common in motivational speeches and corporate environments where ambition is highly valued.
- In News and Media
- Reports on 'hunger levels', 'food banks', and 'humanitarian aid' frequently use the noun to quantify the problem.
- In Sports and Business
- Used to describe 'drive', 'ambition', and 'determination'. A 'hunger for success' is a common cliché.
- In Literature and Art
- Used as a theme to represent longing, poverty, or the human condition. Think of titles like 'The Hunger Games'.
The news report focused on the devastating effects of hunger in the war-torn region.
'You need to play with more hunger if you want to make the varsity team,' the coach shouted.
The protagonist's hunger for revenge drives the entire plot of the novel.
The charity event raised thousands of dollars to help end hunger in our city.
The artist's work explores the hunger for connection in a digital age.
You will also encounter 'hunger' in historical and political contexts. The 'Irish Potato Famine' is often referred to as 'The Great Hunger' (An Gorta Mór), highlighting the catastrophic scale of the event. In modern politics, 'hunger strikes' are a well-known method of protest used by figures like Mahatma Gandhi or suffragettes to demand change. This demonstrates the word's power to signify moral and physical sacrifice. In pop culture, 'The Hunger Games' series brought the word into the mainstream for a younger generation, using it to symbolize the desperate struggle for survival and the inequality between the rich and the poor. Whether it's in a scientific paper about 'hunger hormones', a song lyric about a 'hunger for love', or a headline about 'food insecurity', the word 'hunger' is a constant presence in English discourse. It is a word that carries significant emotional and social weight, making it essential for any learner to understand its various applications and the contexts in which it appears.
One of the most frequent mistakes English learners make with the word 'hunger' is confusing the noun form with the adjective form 'hungry'. In many languages, such as Spanish ('tengo hambre'), French ('j'ai faim'), or German ('ich habe Hunger'), the standard way to express the feeling of needing food is to say 'I have hunger'. In English, however, the most natural and common way to express this is by using the adjective: 'I am hungry'. While 'I have hunger' is grammatically possible, it sounds very archaic, overly formal, or simply non-native in everyday conversation. Another common error involves the use of articles. Because 'hunger' is typically an uncountable noun, you should not say 'a hunger' when referring to the general physical sensation. You would say 'Hunger is a problem,' not 'A hunger is a problem.' However, as mentioned previously, you *can* use 'a' when the hunger is specific or metaphorical, such as 'a hunger for knowledge' or 'a sharp hunger'. This distinction can be tricky for learners to master.
- Noun vs. Adjective
- Incorrect: 'I have a big hunger.' Correct: 'I am very hungry.' or 'I have a sharp hunger.'
- Uncountable Usage
- Incorrect: 'The hungers in the world are increasing.' Correct: 'Hunger in the world is increasing.'
- Preposition Errors
- Incorrect: 'His hunger of success.' Correct: 'His hunger for success.'
Incorrect: He was feeling hunger so he ate a sandwich. (Better: He was feeling hungry...)
Incorrect: There is a hunger in many countries. (Better: There is hunger in many countries.)
Incorrect: She has hunger for more money. (Better: She has a hunger for more money.)
Incorrect: I can't think because of my hungry. (Correct: I can't think because of my hunger.)
Incorrect: The hunger is bad for health. (Better: Hunger is bad for health.)
Learners also sometimes struggle with the difference between 'hunger' and 'appetite'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Hunger' is the physical need for food, whereas 'appetite' is the psychological desire to eat, often for pleasure or specific types of food. You can have an appetite for dessert even if you no longer feel hunger after a large meal. Another area of confusion is the use of 'hunger' in the plural. While 'hungers' is used in some literary or psychological texts to describe different types of desires (e.g., 'the various hungers of the human soul'), it is extremely rare in standard English and should generally be avoided. Finally, be careful with the spelling. It is 'hunger', not 'hungar' or 'hungre'. By paying attention to these common pitfalls—especially the noun/adjective distinction and the correct preposition ('for')—you can use 'hunger' accurately and effectively in your writing and speaking. Practice by identifying whether you are describing a state of being (hungry) or the concept/feeling itself (hunger) before you speak.
While 'hunger' is the most common and versatile word for the need for food, English offers several synonyms and related terms that can provide more precision or a different emotional tone. Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your vocabulary and match the register of your conversation or writing. For instance, 'appetite' is a close relative but focuses more on the desire for food rather than the physical necessity. 'Starvation' is a much stronger term, indicating an extreme and dangerous lack of food that can lead to death. 'Famine' refers to a widespread and severe shortage of food affecting an entire region or population. On the more informal side, you might hear people use 'the munchies' (slang for a sudden desire for snacks) or 'famished' (an adjective meaning extremely hungry). In metaphorical contexts, 'hunger' can be replaced by words like 'craving', 'thirst', 'desire', 'ambition', or 'yearning'. Each of these words carries a slightly different nuance. A 'thirst for knowledge' is similar to a 'hunger for knowledge', but 'thirst' often implies a need for something that refreshes or completes, while 'hunger' implies a more primal, driving force.
- Hunger vs. Appetite
- Hunger is a physical need; appetite is a psychological desire. You can have an appetite for a specific food without being hungry.
- Hunger vs. Starvation
- Hunger is the initial feeling; starvation is the advanced, life-threatening state of having no food for a long time.
- Hunger vs. Famine
- Hunger can be individual; famine is a collective disaster where a whole community lacks food.
The athlete's appetite for victory was evident in every play.
The region is facing a severe famine due to the prolonged drought.
He had a sudden craving for something sweet after dinner.
The prisoners were on the verge of starvation before they were rescued.
Her yearning for her homeland was as strong as any physical hunger.
When choosing an alternative, consider the intensity and the context. If you are writing a formal essay about poverty, 'food insecurity' or 'malnutrition' are often better choices than 'hunger' because they are more technical and specific. If you are writing a poem or a story, 'hunger' or 'longing' might be more appropriate due to their emotional resonance. For describing a strong ambition, 'drive' or 'determination' are good synonyms, but 'hunger' adds a layer of visceral intensity that the others lack. Another interesting word is 'esurience', which is a very formal and rare word for hunger or greed. While you likely won't use it in daily life, knowing it can help you understand high-level literature. By exploring these synonyms, you not only improve your ability to express yourself but also gain a deeper understanding of the different ways English speakers categorize and describe the fundamental human experience of wanting and needing. Always think about the 'flavor' of the word you are choosing—is it clinical, emotional, casual, or extreme? This will help you become a more nuanced and effective communicator.
How Formal Is It?
"The initiative seeks to eradicate chronic hunger in the sub-Saharan region."
"Many people suffer from hunger during the winter months."
"I've got a massive hunger going on right now."
"Hunger is that rumbly feeling in your tummy when it's time for lunch!"
"Man, I got the hunger real bad."
재미있는 사실
The word 'hunger' is a 'cognate' across almost all Germanic languages, meaning it looks and sounds very similar in German (Hunger), Dutch (honger), and Swedish (hunger). This shows how fundamental the concept is to human experience.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing it like 'hanger' (with an 'a' sound).
- Missing the hard 'g' sound after the 'ng'.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'anger' (which starts with an 'a' sound).
- Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
- Dropping the final 'r' too much in American English.
난이도
The word is easy to recognize but can appear in complex social or literary contexts.
Learners often struggle with the noun/adjective distinction (hunger vs. hungry).
Commonly used, though 'hungry' is more frequent in daily speech.
Easily understood, though can be confused with 'anger' if the speaker is fast.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
Noun vs. Adjective
Use 'hunger' for the thing (noun) and 'hungry' for the feeling (adjective). 'My hunger is gone' vs 'I am not hungry'.
Uncountable Nouns
Hunger is usually uncountable. 'There is much hunger in the world,' not 'There are many hungers'.
Preposition 'For'
When used metaphorically, hunger is almost always followed by 'for'. 'A hunger for knowledge'.
Articles with Abstract Nouns
General hunger has no article. 'Hunger is painful.' Specific or metaphorical hunger can use 'a'. 'A sharp hunger'.
Noun Adjuncts
Hunger can modify another noun. 'Hunger strike', 'hunger pangs'.
수준별 예문
I feel hunger now.
Je ressens de la faim maintenant.
Hunger is a noun here.
Hunger is when you want food.
La faim, c'est quand on veut de la nourriture.
Simple definition using 'is'.
Is your hunger gone?
Ta faim est-elle partie ?
Question form with 'is'.
He has a big hunger.
Il a une grande faim.
Using 'a' with an adjective.
The dog felt hunger.
Le chien a ressenti la faim.
Past tense of 'feel'.
Hunger makes me sad.
La faim me rend triste.
Hunger as the subject.
We must end hunger.
Nous devons mettre fin à la faim.
Using 'must' for necessity.
Drink water for your hunger.
Bois de l'eau pour ta faim.
Preposition 'for'.
She ignored her hunger to finish the game.
Elle a ignoré sa faim pour finir le jeu.
Possessive 'her' with hunger.
The cat's hunger was very strong.
La faim du chat était très forte.
Possessive 's with hunger.
I have a sharp hunger in my stomach.
J'ai une faim aiguë dans l'estomac.
Adjective 'sharp' modifying hunger.
They talked about world hunger in school.
Ils ont parlé de la faim dans le monde à l'école.
Compound noun 'world hunger'.
A little snack will satisfy your hunger.
Un petit goûter calmera ta faim.
Verb 'satisfy' with hunger.
The hunger pangs started at noon.
Les tiraillements de la faim ont commencé à midi.
Common phrase 'hunger pangs'.
He didn't feel any hunger after the big lunch.
Il n'a ressenti aucune faim après le grand déjeuner.
Negative sentence with 'any'.
Hunger can be a difficult feeling.
La faim peut être un sentiment difficile.
Modal verb 'can'.
His hunger for knowledge is truly inspiring.
Sa soif de connaissance est vraiment inspirante.
Metaphorical use with 'for'.
The charity works to alleviate hunger in poor areas.
L'association travaille pour soulager la faim dans les zones pauvres.
Formal verb 'alleviate'.
She has a constant hunger for new adventures.
Elle a une soif constante de nouvelles aventures.
Adjective 'constant' with metaphorical hunger.
The long journey increased their hunger.
Le long voyage a augmenté leur faim.
Verb 'increase' with hunger.
Hunger is a major problem in many developing countries.
La faim est un problème majeur dans de nombreux pays en développement.
Hunger as a general social issue.
He tried to suppress his hunger during the meeting.
Il a essayé de réprimer sa faim pendant la réunion.
Verb 'suppress' with hunger.
The smell of fresh bread whetted my hunger.
L'odeur du pain frais a ouvert mon appétit (ma faim).
Idiomatic verb 'whet'.
They are fighting a battle against hunger and poverty.
Ils mènent une bataille contre la faim et la pauvreté.
Prepositional phrase 'against hunger'.
The documentary explores the root causes of chronic hunger.
Le documentaire explore les causes profondes de la faim chronique.
Academic phrase 'root causes'.
An insatiable hunger for power can lead to corruption.
Une soif de pouvoir insatiable peut mener à la corruption.
Strong adjective 'insatiable'.
The athlete's hunger for victory was evident in her performance.
La soif de victoire de l'athlète était évidente dans sa performance.
Metaphorical use in sports.
The government's failure to address hunger led to protests.
L'échec du gouvernement à s'attaquer à la faim a mené à des manifestations.
Infinitive phrase 'to address hunger'.
She felt a gnawing hunger that she couldn't ignore.
Elle ressentait une faim lancinante qu'elle ne pouvait ignorer.
Descriptive adjective 'gnawing'.
The program aims to provide long-term solutions to hunger.
Le programme vise à fournir des solutions à long terme à la faim.
Formal phrase 'long-term solutions'.
His hunger for change drove him to enter politics.
Sa soif de changement l'a poussé à entrer en politique.
Metaphorical hunger as a driving force.
The report highlights the link between climate change and hunger.
Le rapport souligne le lien entre le changement climatique et la faim.
Linking two abstract concepts.
The novel depicts the psychological toll of prolonged hunger.
Le roman dépeint le coût psychologique d'une faim prolongée.
Formal verb 'depicts' and phrase 'psychological toll'.
There is a growing hunger for authenticity in modern marketing.
Il y a une soif croissante d'authenticité dans le marketing moderne.
Abstract metaphorical use.
The philosopher argued that hunger is the most primal of human drives.
Le philosophe a soutenu que la faim est la plus primaire des pulsions humaines.
Philosophical context.
The policy was designed to mitigate the effects of seasonal hunger.
La politique a été conçue pour atténuer les effets de la faim saisonnière.
Formal verb 'mitigate'.
He spoke with a hunger that betrayed his desperate situation.
Il parlait avec une faim qui trahissait sa situation désespérée.
Literary use where hunger represents desperation.
The artist sought to capture the visceral nature of hunger in his paintings.
L'artiste a cherché à capturer la nature viscérale de la faim dans ses peintures.
Artistic context with 'visceral'.
The strike was a powerful expression of their collective hunger for justice.
La grève était une expression puissante de leur soif collective de justice.
Metaphorical use in a political context.
Scientific research has identified the hormones responsible for signaling hunger.
La recherche scientifique a identifié les hormones responsables du signal de la faim.
Scientific/Technical context.
The systemic eradication of hunger remains a daunting global challenge.
L'éradication systémique de la faim reste un défi mondial de taille.
High-level academic vocabulary.
Her poetry explores the existential hunger that defines the human condition.
Sa poésie explore la faim existentielle qui définit la condition humaine.
Philosophical/Literary depth.
The politician's rhetoric tapped into the public's hunger for radical reform.
La rhétorique du politicien a puisé dans la soif de réforme radicale du public.
Nuanced political analysis.
The famine was not merely a natural disaster but a failure of political will to address hunger.
La famine n'était pas seulement une catastrophe naturelle mais un échec de la volonté politique à s'attaquer à la faim.
Complex sentence structure and critical analysis.
The insatiable hunger of capital for growth often overlooks environmental costs.
La soif insatiable de croissance du capital néglige souvent les coûts environnementaux.
Personification of an abstract concept.
He possessed a quiet hunger, a steady flame of ambition that never flickered.
Il possédait une faim tranquille, une flamme constante d'ambition qui ne vacillait jamais.
Sophisticated metaphorical imagery.
The study examines the interplay between neurological pathways and the subjective experience of hunger.
L'étude examine l'interaction entre les voies neurologiques et l'expérience subjective de la faim.
Technical scientific language.
To understand the revolution, one must understand the deep-seated hunger that fueled it.
Pour comprendre la révolution, il faut comprendre la faim profonde qui l'a alimentée.
Historical/Sociological insight.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
Hunger is the best sauce.
To have a hunger for something.
To die of hunger.
To satisfy one's hunger.
To go on a hunger strike.
To fight hunger.
A hunger for power.
To ignore one's hunger.
A sharp hunger.
To whet someone's hunger.
자주 혼동되는 단어
Hungry is the adjective (feeling), hunger is the noun (the thing).
Sounds similar but means a strong feeling of displeasure or hostility.
Sounds similar but is an object used to hang clothes.
관용어 및 표현
"Hunger is the best cook."
Similar to 'hunger is the best sauce', it means that when you are hungry, any food tastes delicious.
After the hike, the plain crackers were amazing; hunger is the best cook.
proverbial"To have a hunger for the ball."
In sports, to be very aggressive and determined to get possession of the ball.
The young midfielder showed a real hunger for the ball today.
informal/sports"A hunger for the limelight."
A strong desire to be the center of attention or to be famous.
His hunger for the limelight often annoyed his more private colleagues.
neutral"To feed the hunger."
To provide something that satisfies a deep desire or need, often used metaphorically.
The new library was built to feed the community's hunger for books.
literary"Hunger knows no law."
When people are desperately hungry, they may ignore rules or laws to survive.
The riots during the famine proved that hunger knows no law.
proverbial"To stay hungry."
To remain motivated and ambitious, never becoming satisfied with one's current success.
Steve Jobs famously told students to 'stay hungry, stay foolish'.
motivational"A hunger for blood."
A violent desire to hurt or kill someone, often used in stories about revenge or war.
The soldiers were filled with a hunger for blood after the ambush.
literary/intense"To satisfy a hunger for something."
To finally get or achieve something that one has wanted for a long time.
Winning the championship finally satisfied his hunger for glory.
neutral"Hunger makes a man a thief."
Desperation can drive even good people to do bad things like stealing.
We should be compassionate, remembering that hunger makes a man a thief.
proverbial"To be driven by hunger."
To do something primarily because of the need for food or a strong desire for success.
Many immigrants are driven by a hunger for a better life for their children.
neutral혼동하기 쉬운
Both relate to wanting food.
Hunger is a physical need; appetite is a psychological desire or pleasure in eating.
I have no hunger, but I have an appetite for that cake.
Both mean a lack of food.
Starvation is extreme, dangerous, and long-term; hunger can be temporary and minor.
Missing lunch is hunger; not eating for weeks is starvation.
Both relate to not having food.
Famine is a large-scale social disaster; hunger can be a personal feeling.
The famine caused widespread hunger across the nation.
Both are basic bodily needs.
Thirst is the need for water; hunger is the need for food.
He satisfied his hunger with bread and his thirst with water.
Both are strong desires.
A craving is for a specific thing; hunger is a general need for sustenance.
I have a hunger for dinner, but a craving for ice cream.
문장 패턴
I feel [hunger].
I feel hunger.
My [hunger] is [adjective].
My hunger is strong.
A hunger for [noun].
A hunger for adventure.
[Verb] one's hunger.
He satisfied his hunger.
The [adjective] hunger of [noun].
The gnawing hunger of the poor.
[Noun] fueled by [hunger].
Ambition fueled by hunger.
To suffer from [hunger].
They suffer from hunger.
To alleviate [hunger].
We must alleviate hunger.
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
Very common in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
-
I have hunger.
→
I am hungry.
In English, we use the adjective 'hungry' with the verb 'to be' to express the feeling.
-
The world hungers is a problem.
→
World hunger is a problem.
Hunger is uncountable here and should be singular.
-
He has a hunger of success.
→
He has a hunger for success.
The correct preposition to use with metaphorical hunger is 'for'.
-
I felt a hungry.
→
I felt hunger. / I felt hungry.
You can't use 'a' with an adjective. Use the noun 'hunger' if you want to use an article.
-
The hunger strike was for two weeks.
→
The hunger strike lasted for two weeks.
While 'was' is okay, 'lasted' is more precise for a duration.
팁
Noun vs Adjective
Always check if you need the noun 'hunger' or the adjective 'hungry'. Use 'hungry' after 'am/is/are' and 'hunger' after 'feel' or 'have'.
Use 'For'
When using hunger metaphorically, always use the preposition 'for'. Example: 'His hunger for success'.
Pronunciation
Make sure to pronounce the 'g' in the middle. It's not 'hun-er', it's 'hung-ger'.
Formal Contexts
In formal essays about poverty, consider using 'food insecurity' as a more precise alternative to 'hunger'.
Hunger Pangs
Use the phrase 'hunger pangs' to sound more like a native speaker when describing physical discomfort.
Stay Hungry
Remember the phrase 'stay hungry' means to stay motivated, not to actually stop eating!
Context Clues
If you hear 'hunger' in the news, it's likely about a social issue. If you hear it in a kitchen, it's about a meal.
Common Error
Don't forget the 'e' before the 'r'. It is 'hunger', not 'hungar'.
Intensity
Use 'starving' or 'famished' for extreme hunger in casual speech, and 'malnutrition' in formal speech.
Sensitivity
Be careful when using 'starving' as an exaggeration around people who may have experienced real food insecurity.
암기하기
기억법
Think of the 'U' in hunger as an empty bowl that needs to be filled with food. The 'G' stands for 'Growling' stomach.
시각적 연상
Imagine a person sitting at a table with an empty plate, looking at a clock. The emptiness of the plate represents the noun 'hunger'.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to use 'hunger' as a noun in three different ways today: once for yourself, once for a social issue, and once metaphorically.
어원
The word 'hunger' comes from the Old English word 'hungor', which has Proto-Germanic roots. It is related to the Old High German 'hungar' and the Old Norse 'hungr'. The word has remained remarkably stable in its form and meaning for over a thousand years.
원래 의미: The original meaning was the physical painful sensation caused by a lack of food, just as it is today.
Germanic문화적 맥락
When discussing hunger as a social issue, be sensitive to the fact that it is a life-threatening reality for many people. Avoid making light of 'starving' unless in a very casual, clearly exaggerated context.
In English-speaking countries, 'hunger' is often used in political debates about 'food stamps' or 'food banks'.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
At home/Everyday life
- Is your hunger satisfied?
- I have a bit of a hunger.
- Ignore your hunger until dinner.
- Satisfy your hunger with a snack.
News and Politics
- Ending world hunger.
- The hunger crisis.
- A hunger strike for justice.
- Alleviating hunger in the region.
Sports and Motivation
- A hunger for victory.
- Show your hunger on the field.
- Stay hungry for success.
- His hunger for the ball.
Literature and Art
- A hunger for love.
- The gnawing hunger of the soul.
- A hunger for the truth.
- Depicting the reality of hunger.
Science and Health
- Hunger hormones.
- The physiology of hunger.
- Signals of hunger.
- Chronic hunger and health.
대화 시작하기
"What is the best way to satisfy a late-night hunger?"
"Do you think world hunger can ever be completely eliminated?"
"Have you ever felt a strong hunger for something other than food, like success?"
"What do you think is the difference between hunger and just having an appetite?"
"How do you usually deal with hunger when you are busy at work or school?"
일기 주제
Describe a time when you felt an extreme physical hunger. What did you eat to satisfy it?
Write about a 'hunger' you have for a personal goal or dream. Why is it so strong?
How does the concept of 'world hunger' make you feel? What can individuals do to help?
Reflect on the proverb 'Hunger is the best sauce'. Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
Imagine a world where no one ever felt hunger. How would society be different?
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Hunger is primarily an uncountable noun. You usually say 'much hunger' or 'a lot of hunger'. However, in specific metaphorical or literary contexts, you can use it with an article, like 'a hunger for success' or 'the hungers of the soul'. In daily life, treat it as uncountable.
While grammatically possible, it sounds unnatural to native English speakers. It is much better to say 'I am hungry' (adjective). 'I have hunger' is a direct translation from languages like Spanish or French and is a common mistake for learners.
Hunger pangs are the sharp, sometimes painful sensations in the stomach caused by the contraction of an empty stomach. They are a physical signal that your body needs food. People often use this phrase when they are very hungry.
A hunger strike is a form of non-violent protest where a person refuses to eat to draw attention to a cause or to demand change. It is often used by prisoners or political activists.
It represents an intense, intrinsic motivation.
Hunger is the physiological need for calories and nutrients. Appetite is the psychological desire to eat, which can be triggered by the sight or smell of food even if you aren't physically hungry.
It is a neutral word. It can be used in very casual settings ('I've got a hunger') and very formal settings ('The global hunger index'). In academic writing, terms like 'food insecurity' are sometimes preferred for precision.
This proverb means that when you are truly hungry, any food—no matter how simple or poorly cooked—will taste delicious. Your hunger makes the experience better.
Yes, 'to hunger' is a verb, but it is mostly used in literary or archaic contexts, usually followed by 'after' or 'for'. For example, 'He hungered for justice.' In modern speech, we usually use 'to crave' or 'to want'.
The plural is 'hungers'. It is rarely used, but you might see it in phrases like 'the various hungers of humanity', referring to different types of desires.
셀프 테스트 200 질문
Write a sentence using 'hunger' as a noun about a social issue.
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Write a sentence using 'hunger' metaphorically.
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Explain the difference between 'hunger' and 'hungry'.
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Describe a time you felt a 'sharp hunger'.
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Use the phrase 'hunger pangs' in a short story snippet.
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Write a formal sentence about 'alleviating hunger'.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about a sports team.
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Write a sentence using 'hunger' and 'poverty' together.
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Create a sentence with 'insatiable hunger'.
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Write a sentence using 'hunger' as the subject.
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Explain the proverb 'Hunger is the best sauce'.
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Use 'hunger strike' in a sentence about history.
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Write a sentence about 'seasonal hunger'.
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Describe the physical sensation of hunger using the noun.
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Write a sentence using 'hunger' and 'knowledge'.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about an animal.
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Write a sentence about 'satisfying hunger'.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about a character's motivation.
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Write a sentence about 'global hunger'.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence with the verb 'ignore'.
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Pronounce the word 'hunger' correctly.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about yourself.
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Describe a social issue using the word 'hunger'.
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Use 'hunger' metaphorically in a sentence about your career.
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Explain the phrase 'hunger pangs' to a friend.
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Tell a short story about someone on a 'hunger strike'.
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Discuss the proverb 'Hunger is the best sauce'.
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Use 'insatiable hunger' in a sentence about a character.
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Talk about how to 'alleviate hunger' in your city.
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Describe the physical feeling of hunger using the noun.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about a historical event.
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Compare 'hunger' and 'appetite' in a sentence.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about an athlete.
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Explain why 'I have hunger' is usually wrong in English.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about a child.
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Talk about a 'hunger for adventure'.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence with 'ignore'.
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Describe a 'sharp hunger' you once had.
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Use 'hunger' in a sentence about a charity.
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Talk about 'staying hungry' for your goals.
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Listen and write the sentence: 'Hunger is a global problem.'
Listen and identify the noun: 'The hunger he felt was intense.'
Listen and identify the adjective: 'She was very hungry.'
Listen for the phrase: 'He went on a hunger strike.'
Listen and identify the preposition: 'A hunger for change.'
Listen for the descriptive word: 'A gnawing hunger.'
Listen and write the compound noun: 'World hunger is increasing.'
Listen for the verb: 'The snack satisfied his hunger.'
Listen and identify the stress: 'Hunger'.
Listen for the plural: 'The hungers of the soul.'
Listen and write: 'Hunger is the best sauce.'
Listen for the formal word: 'Alleviating hunger.'
Listen and identify the object: 'She felt a sharp hunger.'
Listen for the phrase: 'Hunger pangs'.
Listen and write: 'Stay hungry, stay foolish.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'hunger' is a versatile noun that bridges the gap between basic biological needs and complex social or personal desires. For example, 'The charity aims to end world hunger' (social) vs. 'She has a hunger for learning' (metaphorical).
- Hunger is primarily the physical sensation of needing food, often felt as a gnawing or hollow feeling in the stomach when energy levels are low.
- It is also used to describe the serious social and humanitarian issue of people not having enough food to survive or stay healthy.
- Metaphorically, hunger represents a powerful desire or ambition for something non-physical, such as a hunger for power, knowledge, or success.
- Grammatically, hunger is an uncountable noun, and it is important to distinguish it from the adjective 'hungry' used to describe how a person feels.
Noun vs Adjective
Always check if you need the noun 'hunger' or the adjective 'hungry'. Use 'hungry' after 'am/is/are' and 'hunger' after 'feel' or 'have'.
Use 'For'
When using hunger metaphorically, always use the preposition 'for'. Example: 'His hunger for success'.
Pronunciation
Make sure to pronounce the 'g' in the middle. It's not 'hun-er', it's 'hung-ger'.
Formal Contexts
In formal essays about poverty, consider using 'food insecurity' as a more precise alternative to 'hunger'.
관련 콘텐츠
이 단어를 다른 언어로
emotions 관련 단어
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anger
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crazy
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cry
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dear
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desire
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dislike
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dull
A2흥미롭거나 재미가 없는 상태를 말해. 지루하고 따분한 느낌이야.
excitement
A2무언가 신나고 기대되는 일이 있을 때 느끼는 아주 기쁘고 들뜬 감정이야.
fantastic
A2정말 훌륭하거나 아주 매력적일 때 사용하는 표현이야.