Translation guide
Expressing the sensation of hunger in Japanese, from casual to polite, including common phrases and onomatopoeia.
Expressing that you are hungry in everyday conversation.
The most common and natural way to say 'I'm hungry.' Literally 'stomach has become empty.' Used in casual to polite contexts.
お腹が空いたね。何か食べよう。
I'm hungry. Let's eat something.
Polite form of お腹が空いた. Suitable for formal situations or when speaking to superiors.
すみません、お腹が空いています。
Excuse me, I'm hungry.
Very casual, masculine expression. Literally 'stomach decreased.' Used among close friends.
腹減った！ラーメン食べたい。
I'm starving! I want ramen.
Expressing strong hunger, like 'I'm starving.'
Onomatopoeic expression for being very hungry. Casual and commonly used.
お腹がペコペコだよ。
I'm starving.
Describes the stomach growling from hunger. Onomatopoeic and vivid.
お腹がグーグー鳴ってる。恥ずかしい。
My stomach is growling. It's embarrassing.
Inquiring about another person's hunger.
Casual question meaning 'Are you hungry?' Used with friends and family.
お腹空いた？何か作ろうか？
Are you hungry? Shall I make something?
Polite way to ask if someone is hungry.
お腹は空いていますか？軽食をご用意します。
Are you hungry? I'll prepare a light meal.
Describing the state of being hungry, often in narrative or explanatory contexts.
Noun meaning 'hunger' or 'empty stomach.' Used in more formal or written contexts.
空腹を感じる。
I feel hunger.
Plain form statement 'I am hungry.' Slightly more formal than お腹が空いた.
空腹だ。何か食べるものはないか。
I'm hungry. Isn't there anything to eat?
お腹が空いた is the everyday expression for hunger. 空腹 is more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. In casual conversation, お腹が空いた is preferred.
お腹が空いたから、コンビニに行こう。
I'm hungry, so let's go to the convenience store.
空腹のため、集中できない。
Due to hunger, I can't concentrate.
Do not translate 'feel hungry' literally as 空腹を感じる in casual speech. It sounds unnatural. Use お腹が空いた instead.
ちょっとお腹が空いた。
I'm feeling a bit hungry.
もうお腹空いた？
Are you hungry yet?