In 15 Seconds
- Used to express that you are still hungry after eating.
- Combines 'not yet' with the character for 'full'.
- Direct but can be softened with a polite tone.
Meaning
This is the most direct way to tell someone you're still hungry after eating. It literally means 'I haven't eaten to the point of being full yet.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Eating at a friend's house
这些菜很好吃,但我还没吃饱。
This food is delicious, but I'm not full yet.
At a restaurant with a small portion
老板,我还没吃饱,能再点个菜吗?
Boss, I'm not full yet, can I order another dish?
Formal dinner with a client
其实我还没吃饱,我们要不要再点些点心?
Actually, I'm not quite full, shall we order some dim sum?
Cultural Background
In China, leaving a little food on the plate was historically a sign that the host provided enough. However, modern urban culture encourages finishing your meal. Similar to the mainland, but often expressed with more polite particles like '喔' or '呢'.
Tone matters
Ensure the third tone on '饱' is clear so it doesn't sound like 'bào' (fourth tone).
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express that you are still hungry after eating.
- Combines 'not yet' with the character for 'full'.
- Direct but can be softened with a polite tone.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to when your stomach is still growling. It uses 还没 (not yet) and 饱 (full). It is simple, honest, and very common. You are basically saying there is still room for more. It is not necessarily a complaint. It is just a status update on your appetite.
How To Use It
Use it when someone asks if you want more food. Or use it when the waiter tries to clear your plate. You can add 呢 at the end for a softer tone. 我还没吃饱呢 sounds a bit more natural in conversation. It is like saying 'I'm not full yet, you know?'
When To Use It
You can use this at a friend's house during dinner. It is perfect at a buffet when your plate is empty. Use it at a restaurant if the portions were tiny. It works well when someone asks 'Are you full?' (你吃饱了吗?). It is a very practical, everyday sentence for any mealtime.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid saying this loudly at a very formal banquet. It might imply the host didn't provide enough food. Don't say it if you are trying to be extremely polite. In those cases, just say 'Everything was delicious.' If you are at a business lunch, keep it subtle. You don't want to look like you're only there for the food!
Cultural Background
Food is the ultimate love language in Chinese culture. In the past, asking 'Have you eaten?' was a standard greeting. Being 'full' is a sign of a good life and hospitality. If you tell a Chinese grandma 我还没吃饱, be careful. She will likely bring out three more dishes immediately. It is a compliment to the chef in a weird way.
Common Variations
If you are really hungry, say 我一点都没饱 (I'm not full at all). If you are almost there, say 我还没完全饱 (I'm not completely full). For a very casual vibe, just say 没饱 (Not full). You can also ask others: 你吃饱了吗? (Are you full yet?). It's a great way to show you care about your friends.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, A1-level phrase. It is safe for beginners to use in almost any dining context. Just be mindful of your volume and facial expressions to ensure you sound hungry rather than demanding.
Tone matters
Ensure the third tone on '饱' is clear so it doesn't sound like 'bào' (fourth tone).
Examples
6这些菜很好吃,但我还没吃饱。
This food is delicious, but I'm not full yet.
A polite way to ask for seconds by praising the food first.
老板,我还没吃饱,能再点个菜吗?
Boss, I'm not full yet, can I order another dish?
Standard way to order more food at a local eatery.
其实我还没吃饱,我们要不要再点些点心?
Actually, I'm not quite full, shall we order some dim sum?
Using 'actually' and 'shall we' makes it less blunt.
刚才那家餐厅分量太小了,我还没吃饱!
The portions at that restaurant were too small, I'm not full yet!
Complaining about portion sizes to a close person.
吃了这么多,你还没吃饱啊?
You ate so much and you're still not full?
Using the phrase as a question to tease a big eater.
妈妈,我还没吃饱,我还想吃肉。
Mom, I'm not full yet, I want more meat.
Direct and simple expression of a need.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence: 我还没____.
我还没____.
The phrase '还没吃饱' is the standard way to say 'not full yet'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises我还没____.
The phrase '还没吃饱' is the standard way to say 'not full yet'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but be polite. Maybe add '不好意思' (excuse me) first.
Related Phrases
吃饱了
contrastI am full.
饿了
similarI am hungry.