Meaning
To feel the sensation of needing food.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use the diminutive 'fominha' to describe a small hunger or a snack craving. In Portugal, meal times are strictly observed. Saying 'Tenho fome' at 4 PM might be met with a suggestion for a 'lanche' rather than a full meal. It is common to use 'morrer de fome' (to die of hunger) hyperbolically to mean 'I am starving'.
Use 'Muita'
Always use 'muita' (feminine) to say 'very hungry'. Never use 'muito'.
Avoid 'Sou'
Never say 'Eu sou fome'. It sounds like you are the personification of hunger.
Meaning
To feel the sensation of needing food.
Use 'Muita'
Always use 'muita' (feminine) to say 'very hungry'. Never use 'muito'.
Avoid 'Sou'
Never say 'Eu sou fome'. It sounds like you are the personification of hunger.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'I am hungry' in Portuguese.
Como se diz 'I am hungry'?
Portuguese uses the verb 'ter' (to have) with the noun 'fome'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ter'.
Nós _____ muita fome agora.
'Temos' is the first-person plural conjugation of 'ter'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits best when you are at a friend's house and they offer you a snack?
'Tenho fome' means you want to eat.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você quer comer? B: Sim, eu ____ com muita fome.
When using 'com muita fome', the verb 'estar' (estou) is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesComo se diz 'I am hungry'?
Portuguese uses the verb 'ter' (to have) with the noun 'fome'.
Nós _____ muita fome agora.
'Temos' is the first-person plural conjugation of 'ter'.
Which phrase fits best when you are at a friend's house and they offer you a snack?
'Tenho fome' means you want to eat.
A: Você quer comer? B: Sim, eu ____ com muita fome.
When using 'com muita fome', the verb 'estar' (estou) is required.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it is very dramatic, like saying 'I am famished' in English. 'Tenho fome' is much more common.
Yes, though 'Estou com fome' is also very frequent in both Portugal and Brazil.
Because 'fome' is a feminine noun (a fome). Adjectives must agree with the noun.
Simply add 'não' before the verb: 'Não tenho fome'.
Related Phrases
Ter sede
similarTo be thirsty
Estar com fome
synonymTo be hungry (temporary state)
Morrer de fome
specialized formTo be starving
