Tener hambre vs. estar hambriento
The Spanish phrases 'tener hambre' and 'estar hambriento' both refer to the state of being hungry. However, they are used slightly differently.
Tener hambre
'Tener hambre' literally translates as 'to have hunger'. It mainly suggests a need for food and is the most common way to express hunger in Spanish.
Después de trabajar todo el día, tengo mucha hambre.
(After working all day, I am very hungry.)
Los niños siempre tienen hambre después de la escuela.
(Children are always hungry after school.)
No tengo hambre ahora porque acabo de comer.
(I am not hungry now because I just ate.)
Estar hambriento
'Estar hambriento' translates as 'to be hungry'. However, it is more intense than 'tener hambre', implying a stronger state of hunger. It's less common in everyday conversation and more often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
Después de tres días sin comer, estaba hambriento.
(After three days without eating, I was starving.)
Los lobos estaban hambrientos y en busca de comida.
(The wolves were starving and searching for food.)
No puedo concentrarme cuando estoy hambriento.
(I can't concentrate when I'm starving.)
Summary
'Tener hambre' and 'estar hambriento' both express a feeling of hunger in Spanish, but they are used in different situations. 'Tener hambre' is more commonly used to indicate a normal level of hunger, such as when you're simply ready for a meal. On the other hand, 'estar hambriento' is often used to describe a more extreme or intense state of hunger, similar to the English phrase 'to be starving'.