French word

faim

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhunger

Example

J'ai faim.

I am hungry.

Illustration for faim (hunger)

More examples

Après la randonnée, il avait une faim de loup.

After the hike, he had a ravenous hunger.

Core concept

An empty stomach sends a strong signal that eating is needed.

Common phrases

  • une faim de loup

    ravenous hunger

  • avoir faim

    be hungry

Similar words

appétit: A wish to eat for taste, pleasure, or enjoyment.
envie: A strong wish for something specific.
soif: The state of lacking water and wanting to drink.

Definition in French

Besoin ou désir de manger causé par l'absence ou l'insuffisance de nourriture.

Word origin

French faim comes from Latin fames through inherited Old French development, with the same basic meaning of hunger caused by lacking food.

Usage tips

  • French uses avoir faim, literally 'to have hunger', so the standard sentence is J'ai faim rather than an equivalent of 'I am hungry'.

Other meanings

  • starvationnoun

Opposites

  • satiétésatietynoun

Related words

  • faminefaminenoun
  • faméliqueemaciatedadjective

Word lists with this word