In 15 Seconds
- Means having massive ambition and drive.
- Used to describe a 'go-getter' personality.
- Metaphorical hunger for success and life.
Meaning
To have immense ambition and a hunger for success. It describes someone who wants to conquer their goals and live life to the fullest with unstoppable energy.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend starting a business
Avec ton talent, tu vas manger le monde !
With your talent, you are going to take on the world!
Describing a motivated colleague
Il est très ambitieux, il veut manger le monde.
He is very ambitious, he wants to conquer the world.
Texting a friend about a new project
Nouveau job demain. Je vais manger le monde !
New job tomorrow. I'm going to crush it!
Cultural Background
The phrase is often associated with the 'Generation Y and Z' in France, who are seen as more entrepreneurial and globalized than previous generations. In Quebec, the phrase is also used, but you might also hear 'vouloir tout avoir' or 'vouloir conquérir le marché.' The energy remains the same. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, 'manger' can also mean to enjoy the fruits of success or to spend money. 'Manger le monde' here can imply living a luxurious, successful life. Rap lyrics frequently use 'manger le monde' or 'bouffer le monde' to describe the struggle to rise from poverty to success.
Use with 'Envie'
The phrase sounds most natural when paired with 'avoir envie de' (to want to). 'J'ai envie de manger le monde !'
Watch the 'Bouffer' variation
Only use 'bouffer le monde' with friends. It's too vulgar for a professional email.
In 15 Seconds
- Means having massive ambition and drive.
- Used to describe a 'go-getter' personality.
- Metaphorical hunger for success and life.
What It Means
This phrase is all about having massive, unstoppable ambition. Imagine someone who wakes up and feels like they can conquer anything. They do not just want a small success; they want everything. It is like having a hunger that only the entire planet can satisfy. You use it to describe that "fire in the belly" feeling. It is a very positive way to talk about drive. It suggests a person is ready to take on any challenge.
How To Use It
You will mostly see this used with the verb vouloir. For example, you might say Elle veut manger le monde. It functions as a description of someone's character or current mood. You can also use it in the first person. Tell your friends Je vais manger le monde before a big interview. It acts as a powerful statement of intent. Just remember to keep the grammar simple. It is a very active, forward-moving expression.
When To Use It
This is perfect for moments of big life transitions. Think about graduations, starting a new business, or moving cities. It is a great way to encourage a friend who is nervous. Use it when you see someone working incredibly hard for their dreams. It also fits well in a pep talk or a motivational text. It brings a lot of energy to the conversation. It is the ultimate "go-getter" phrase for your French vocabulary.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase in a literal sense at dinner. If you say it while holding a fork, people might laugh. It is also a bit too informal for a formal legal letter. Avoid using it in very somber or sad situations. It is a high-energy phrase, so it might feel out of place there. Also, do not confuse it with manger tout le monde. That means to beat everyone in a competition or to be very aggressive.
Cultural Background
The French language loves using food verbs for life experiences. Eating is not just about nutrition; it is about passion and consumption. This phrase reflects a cultural appreciation for "le mordant" or having a bite. It became popular as a way to describe the ambitious youth of the modern era. It mirrors the fast-paced, "take over the world" mentality of global entrepreneurs. It shows that in France, success is something you should crave.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, use bouffer le monde. Bouffer is a slangier way to say eat. If you want to sound more elegant, use dévorer le monde. This implies a more poetic kind of hunger for life. You might also hear avoir les dents longues. This literally means "to have long teeth" and means being very ambitious. All these phrases revolve around the idea of "biting" into life and opportunities.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfect for casual conversations and motivational contexts, but avoid it in strictly formal writing.
Use with 'Envie'
The phrase sounds most natural when paired with 'avoir envie de' (to want to). 'J'ai envie de manger le monde !'
Watch the 'Bouffer' variation
Only use 'bouffer le monde' with friends. It's too vulgar for a professional email.
Add 'Entier' for emphasis
Saying 'manger le monde entier' makes your ambition sound even more epic and unstoppable.
The 'Startup' Vibe
This is a very popular phrase in the French tech scene. Use it to sound like a dynamic entrepreneur.
Examples
6Avec ton talent, tu vas manger le monde !
With your talent, you are going to take on the world!
A very common way to boost someone's confidence.
Il est très ambitieux, il veut manger le monde.
He is very ambitious, he wants to conquer the world.
Used here to describe a personality trait.
Nouveau job demain. Je vais manger le monde !
New job tomorrow. I'm going to crush it!
Short and punchy for a text message.
Aujourd'hui, vous êtes prêts à manger le monde.
Today, you are ready to take on the world.
Inspiring and slightly more formal in tone.
Regarde-le courir, il veut déjà manger le monde !
Look at him run, he already wants to take over the world!
Using the phrase playfully for a child's energy.
Le héros est pauvre mais il veut manger le monde.
The hero is poor but he wants to conquer the world.
Setting up a classic underdog story.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Elle est très ambitieuse, elle veut ______ le monde.
After the verb 'veut' (want), we use the infinitive form 'manger'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a figurative sense?
Choose the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe career ambition.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Tu penses qu'il va réussir son entreprise ? B: Oui, il a une telle énergie, ______.
The phrase 'il mange le monde' fits the context of succeeding in business.
Match the phrase variation to the correct register.
Match 'Bouffer le monde' to its register:
'Bouffer' is a slang term for eating, making the phrase very informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Eating Metaphors
Practice Bank
4 exercisesElle est très ambitieuse, elle veut ______ le monde.
After the verb 'veut' (want), we use the infinitive form 'manger'.
Choose the best option:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to describe career ambition.
A: Tu penses qu'il va réussir son entreprise ? B: Oui, il a une telle énergie, ______.
The phrase 'il mange le monde' fits the context of succeeding in business.
Match 'Bouffer le monde' to its register:
'Bouffer' is a slang term for eating, making the phrase very informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is polite but informal. It's not rude, but it's very energetic and casual.
Yes, 'Elle veut manger le monde' is perfectly correct. The phrase doesn't change based on gender.
Almost. 'Conquérir' is more formal and sounds like a military or political goal. 'Manger' is more personal and passionate.
No, that's not an idiom. Stick to 'le monde'.
Not at all! It's actually very modern and popular with younger generations.
When someone is starting a new, exciting chapter in their life, like a new job or a big trip.
No, it usually means you are ambitious and full of life, not that you are greedy for money.
You can say 'Je n'ai pas l'ambition de manger le monde.'
Yes, 'bouffer le monde' is the slang version.
Yes, 'Il a mangé le monde' means he was very successful in his time.
Related Phrases
croquer la vie à pleines dents
similarTo live life to the fullest.
avoir les dents longues
synonymTo be very ambitious.
avoir une faim de loup
builds onTo be starving.
viser la lune
similarTo aim for the moon / have high goals.
brûler la chandelle par les deux bouts
contrastTo live fast and exhaust oneself.
