Hebrew for Saying You’re Hungry

If you live in Israel or are just spending time here, one of the most useful things you can say is that you’re hungry. It comes up all the time: when someone asks if you want to eat, when you’re waiting for lunch, or when you want to hint that it’s time to find food.

The most common way to say it is:

אני רעב — I’m hungry
אני רעבה — I’m hungry (said by a woman)

These are simple, natural, and used in everyday conversation.

How to say it

Hebrew changes the ending depending on who is speaking:

• רעב = hungry, masculine form
• רעבה = hungry, feminine form

So you can say:

• אני רעב
• אני רעבה

If you want to be a little more casual or expressive, you might also hear:

• אני ממש רעב — I’m really hungry
• אני ממש רעבה — I’m really hungry
• אני גווע מרעב — I’m starving
• אני גוועת מרעב — I’m starving

That last one is stronger and more dramatic, so use it when you really mean it.

Useful food-related phrases

Here are a few phrases that are easy to use in real life:

• אני רוצה לאכול — I want to eat
• אני צריך לאכול — I need to eat
• בוא נאכל — Let’s eat
• מתי אוכלים? — When are we eating?
• יש אוכל? — Is there food?

These are especially helpful in a home, at work, or with friends.

If you’re also trying to ask about what’s in the food, take a look at Hebrew for Asking About Ingredients. And if your hunger is part of making plans with someone, Hebrew for Inviting Someone Out can help you sound more natural.

In real situations

Here are some short examples you might actually say:

• אני רעב. יש משהו לאכול? — I’m hungry. Is there something to eat?
• אני רעבה, בוא נלך לאכול. — I’m hungry, let’s go eat.
• אני ממש רעב עכשיו. — I’m really hungry right now.
• אני גוועת מרעב. — I’m starving.

You can also hear people say בתיאבון before or during a meal. It means “enjoy your meal” or “bon appétit.” It’s not how you say you’re hungry, but it’s a very common food phrase in Israel.

A small note about pronunciation

The word רעב can feel hard at first because it starts with a sound that may be new for English speakers. Don’t worry if it takes time. In conversation, people will understand you even if your pronunciation is not perfect.

A good goal is to get comfortable using the whole phrase:

• אני רעב
• אני רעבה

Say it often, and it will start to feel automatic.

Quick recap

• אני רעב = I’m hungry (male speaker)
• אני רעבה = I’m hungry (female speaker)
• אני ממש רעב/רעבה = I’m really hungry
• אני גווע/גוועת מרעב = I’m starving

If you’re building everyday Hebrew for life in Israel, this is one of the first phrases worth learning. It’s short, practical, and useful in almost any setting.