How to Say Meal in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
As of 2026, the term "meal" translates to comida (IPA: /koˈmi.ða/) in Spanish. This versatile word is widely used across various Spanish-speaking regions and cultures.
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What is "Meal" in Spanish?
In the context of daily life, comida generally refers to a regular eating occasion that includes breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, it can also denote food or cuisine being served or discussed.
Cultural and Regional Variations in Meal Terminology
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →Across different Spanish-speaking countries, meal terminology varies significantly due to cultural differences:
- Spain: In Spain, comida typically refers to the main midday meal, while cena is used for dinner.
- Mexico: Mexicans often use desayuno for breakfast, almuerzo for lunch, and cena for dinner. However, the term comida is also commonly used.
- Argentina: Argentinians use desayuno, almuerzo, and cena. The word merienda can refer to a snack or light meal between main meals.
Synonyms of "Meal" in Spanish with Pronunciation Guide
Here are some synonyms for comida, each with its unique pronunciation:
- Alimento (IPA: /aliˈmento/): Food, nourishment.
- Sustento (IPA: /susˈtento/): Sustenance or food.
- Manjar (IPA: /manˈhar/): Delicacy or special treat.
- Vianda (IPA: /ˈvjanda/): Food, provisions for a journey.
- Platos (IPA: /ˈplatos/): Dishes or prepared meals.
- Comestibles (IPA: /komesˈtibles/): Edible items or food.
- Manutención (IPA: /manutenˈθjon/): Maintenance, sustenance.
- Provisiones (IPA: /proβiˈsjones/): Provisions for a specific purpose.
- Banquete (IPA: /banˈkete/): Banquet or feast.
- Bocado (IPA: /boˈkaðo/): Bite, morsel.
How to Say "Meal" in Spanish: Sample Sentences
To understand the usage of comida, here are some sample sentences:
- "¿Qué hora es la comida?" (What time is lunch?)
- "La comida de hoy fue muy sabrosa." (Today's meal was very tasty.)
- "No tengo hambre, solo quiero un bocado." (I'm not hungry, I just want a bite.)
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