Feeling hungry is a universal experience, and knowing how to express it in Japanese can come in handy when you’re looking for something to eat or trying to communicate your hunger to others. In this blog post, we will learn how to say “I’m hungry” in Japanese and explore additional phrases related to expressing hunger and appetite.
お腹が空きました (Onaka ga sukimashita)
The most common phrase to express hunger in Japanese is “お腹が空きました” (Onaka ga sukimashita). This phrase literally translates to “my stomach became empty” and is the standard way to say “I’m hungry.”
Examples:
お腹が空きました。何か食べたいです。(Onaka ga sukimashita. Nanika tabetai desu.) – “I’m hungry. I want to eat something.”
今、お腹が空いていて、何か軽いものを食べたいです。(Ima, onaka ga suiteite, nanika karui mono o tabetai desu.) – “I’m hungry right now and I want to eat something light.”
Other Phrases Related to Hunger and Appetite
お腹がすいた (Onaka ga suita) – “I’m hungry” (Casual form)
ごはんを食べたいです (Gohan o tabetai desu) – “I want to eat rice” (Rice being a staple food in Japanese cuisine)
おなかがペコペコです (Onaka ga pekopeko desu) – “My stomach is growling” (Used to describe intense hunger)
Conclusion
Knowing how to express your hunger in Japanese can help you communicate your needs when you’re looking for food or planning your meals. Remember to use phrases like “お腹が空きました” (Onaka ga sukimashita) to convey that you’re feeling hungry. Additionally, familiarize yourself with other related phrases to express your appetite and make your dining experiences in Japan more enjoyable.
