我饿了。

Just drop it into conversation when your stomach growls. You can add 好 (hǎo) or 很 (hěn) to show intensity. 我好饿 means 'I'm so hungry.' Use it when you see a food commercial. Use it when you smell garlic frying. It is a very versatile sentence starter.

You can use this with friends, family, or partners. It works perfectly when deciding where to go for lunch. It is great for texting a roommate to see if they want takeout. If you are hiking and need a snack, say this. It is a very honest and human expression.

Avoid saying this abruptly in a very formal business meeting. It might seem a bit too personal or impatient. Don't say it to a host right as you walk in. It might make them feel rushed to serve you. In those cases, wait for them to offer food first. A little patience goes a long way in polite circles.

Food is the ultimate love language in Chinese culture. Instead of 'How are you?', people often ask 'Have you eaten?'. Saying 我饿了 is a very common social cue. It often triggers a flurry of hospitality. Your Chinese friends might immediately start listing nearby restaurants. It is a phrase that brings people together around a table.

If you are starving, try 我饿死了 (wǒ è sǐ le). This literally means 'I'm hungry to death.' It is very common and dramatic. For a cuter, more childish vibe, some say 肚子饿了 (dù zi è le). This translates to 'My belly is hungry.' It sounds a bit softer and less demanding.