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How To Say "Dinner" In Spanish

If you are traveling to a Spanish-speaking country, or you simply want to expand your Spanish vocabulary, you might wonder, "What is 'Dinner' in Spanish?" or "How do I say 'Dinner' in Spanish?". In this article, we will explore the meaning of "Dinner" in Spanish, how to translate it, and regional differences in the language.

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What is "Dinner" in Spanish?

The Spanish word for "dinner" is "cena", pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. It is a feminine noun, so you would use the feminine articles "la" or "una" with it.

Meaning of "Dinner" in Spanish

The English word "dinner" refers to the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. In Spanish, there are several words that can be used to convey the same meaning, depending on the region and context. Some of the most common Spanish words for "dinner" are:

Cena (IPA: /ˈθena/): This is the most widely used term for "Dinner" in Spanish. In most Spanish-speaking countries, cena refers to the meal eaten at the end of the day, usually between 7 pm and 10 pm.
Comida (IPA: /ko.ˈmi.ða/): In some regions of Spain and Latin America, comida is used to refer to the main meal of the day, which is typically eaten in the afternoon or early evening. However, in other regions, comida simply means "food" or "meal" and can be used to refer to any meal of the day.
Almuerzo (IPA: /al.ˈmwer.θo/): In some Latin American countries, almuerzo is used to refer to the main meal of the day, which is typically eaten around midday. However, in other regions, almuerzo simply means "lunch" and is eaten around noon.

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Translating "Rice" to Spanish

If you want to say "Dinner" in Spanish, the most common word to use is cena. To use this word in a sentence, you could say:

¿Quieres ir a cenar conmigo?

(Do you want to go to dinner with me?)

Me encanta cocinar la cena para mi familia.

(I love cooking dinner for my family.)

¿A qué hora es la cena?

(What time is dinner?)

Regional Differences

As mentioned earlier, the term "cena" is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world to refer to dinner. However, there are some regional differences in the way dinner is eaten and referred to:

In Spain, dinner is typically eaten later in the evening, often between 8 pm and 10 pm. It is usually a lighter meal than lunch, consisting of tapas, small plates, or a sandwich.
In Mexico, dinner is usually eaten earlier in the evening, between 6 pm and 8 pm. It is a larger meal and may include soup, meat, beans, and rice.
In Argentina, dinner is also eaten later in the evening, around 9 pm or later. It is usually a lighter meal than lunch and may include meat, vegetables, and a salad.
In Peru, dinner is called "cena" and is usually eaten later in the evening, between 8 pm and 10 pm. It may include soup, rice, potatoes, and a meat dish.

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