Meaning
A hungry person cannot concentrate on anything but food.
Cultural Background
The proverb is deeply tied to the French 'art de vivre' where meals are sacred. Used similarly to France, often in a humorous way among friends. Commonly understood and used in the same contexts as in France. Used in French-speaking regions to explain the need for a break.
Use it to be funny
It's a great way to lighten the mood when you are hungry.
Don't use it in a serious meeting
It might sound unprofessional if not used carefully.
Meaning
A hungry person cannot concentrate on anything but food.
Use it to be funny
It's a great way to lighten the mood when you are hungry.
Don't use it in a serious meeting
It might sound unprofessional if not used carefully.
Use it as an excuse
It's a very effective way to explain why you aren't listening.
French love food
This proverb shows how central food is to French culture.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb.
Ventre affamé n'a point ________.
The proverb is 'Ventre affamé n'a point d'oreilles'.
Which situation is appropriate for this proverb?
When should you use this proverb?
The proverb is specifically about hunger-related distraction.
Complete the dialogue.
A: On discute du projet ? B: Non, ________.
This is the correct proverb for the context of needing to eat before working.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Your friend is too hungry to listen to your story.
This proverb perfectly describes the situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVentre affamé n'a point ________.
The proverb is 'Ventre affamé n'a point d'oreilles'.
When should you use this proverb?
The proverb is specifically about hunger-related distraction.
A: On discute du projet ? B: Non, ________.
This is the correct proverb for the context of needing to eat before working.
Your friend is too hungry to listen to your story.
This proverb perfectly describes the situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is a proverb, so it is formal in structure but can be used in casual settings.
No, it is specifically about food.
Not if you say it with a smile.
It's a traditional, more emphatic form.
No, it's a fixed expression.
Yes, similar ideas exist in many languages.
Only if you have a very good relationship with the interviewer.
Yes, it is a very well-known proverb.
Then it doesn't make sense to use it.
It's usually reserved for hunger, but it could be understood.
Yes, Rabelais' Gargantua.
Vahn-truh ah-fah-may n'a pwan d'oh-ray.
Related Phrases
Manger pour vivre
contrastEat to live
Avoir la dalle
similarTo be starving
L'appétit vient en mangeant
similarAppetite comes with eating
Il faut manger pour vivre
contrastOne must eat to live
