hambriento
“hambriento” means “hungry” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
hungry
Also: starving
📝 In Action
El niño estaba muy hambriento después de jugar todo el día.
A2The boy was very hungry after playing all day.
Las perras hambrientas buscaron comida en la basura.
A2The hungry female dogs looked for food in the trash.
Si estás hambrienta, podemos pedir una pizza.
A1If you (female) are hungry, we can order a pizza.
eager
Also: greedy, hungry (figurative)
📝 In Action
El joven artista estaba hambriento de reconocimiento internacional.
B2The young artist was hungry for international recognition.
Era una organización hambrienta de poder y control.
C1It was an organization greedy for power and control.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: hambriento
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'hambriento' to describe a group of women?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Hambriento' comes directly from the Spanish noun 'hambre' (hunger), combined with the common adjective suffix '-iento', which means 'full of' or 'inclined to.' The root 'hambre' itself comes from the Latin word *fames* (hunger).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to say 'Estoy hambriento' or 'Tengo hambre'?
Both are correct and mean 'I am hungry.' However, 'Tengo hambre' (I have hunger) is much more common and natural in everyday Spanish conversation. 'Estoy hambriento' (I am hungry) is often used for emphasis, meaning 'I am really, really hungry!'
Does 'hambriento' always require the verb 'estar'?
Yes. When 'hambriento' describes a temporary state, like feeling hungry, it must use 'estar' (Estoy hambriento). It describes how you feel right now, not a permanent characteristic.