On this page, we are going to explain you all the things you ever wanted to know about the funny French phrase "J'ai la dalle". This include a complete explanation of what it is and how you can use it in a conversation with an audio example. But wait, we also added some useful informations like slow pronunciation audio, synonyms, dialogue example and more!
Translation : I'm starving
Register : Informal - Funny - Slang
Slow
Normal
IPA : / ʒe la dal /
It literally means:
The expression "J'ai la dalle" is useful to say "I am starving" in informal contexts. The word "dalle" is slang for "hunger".
As you may have noticed, in French we don't use "to be hungry" but "to have hunger" instead. For example, the most basic way to say "I am hungry" is "J'ai faim". (Literally: I have hunger)
Whenever you are extremely hungry/starving, you can use rather "J'ai la dalle" or "J'ai les crocs" (Which both mean: "I'm starving"). If you just feel a bit hungry, use instead "J'ai un petit creux" (I am a little hungry).
Beware that all these expressions are informal, especially "J'ai la dalle". For the formal way to express hunger, use "J'ai faim" (I'm hungry).
Dialogue
J'ai la dalle, et toi ?
I'm starving, and you?
Non j'ai trop mangé, mais j'ai soif
No, I ate too much, but I'm thirsty
As usual...
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