On this page, we are going to explain you all the things you have to know about the funny phrase "J'ai la dalle". Including a detailed guide of what it is and how you can use it in a casual conversation with an audio example. And because we want to help you on your learning journey, we also added some useful things like slow pronunciation audio, dialogue example, synonym 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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