crever
to die / to be exhausted / to be starving
Intermediate Verb
🔊
Pronunciation
/kʁə.ve/
💡
Cultural Note
Literally 'to burst/die' (used for animals dying), but in slang it's the dramatic way to express any physical discomfort. French people don't just get hungry — they 'crèvent de faim.' They don't get hot — they 'crèvent de chaud.' 'Crevé(e)' as an adjective means completely exhausted. Also used for flat tires: 'j'ai crevé' = I got a flat. The French love hyperbole when complaining, and 'crever' lets you die metaphorically several times a day.
📝 Example Sentences
Je crève de faim, on mange bientôt ?
I'm starving to death, are we eating soon?
On crève de chaud ici, ouvre la fenêtre !
We're dying of heat in here, open the window!