Meals and meal times

Understanding meals and meal times is crucial when learning Spanish, as food plays a central role in Spanish-speaking cultures. This guide will help you learn essential vocabulary and phrases related to meals in Spain and Latin America. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)

Meal Vocabulary (Vocabulario de Comidas)

1. El desayuno (breakfast)
   • Time: Usually between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM
   • Phrase: “¿Qué tomas para el desayuno?” (What do you have for breakfast?)
   • Common foods:
     • El café (coffee)
     • Las tostadas (toast)
     • Los churros
     • El zumo de naranja (orange juice)
2. El almuerzo (lunch)
   • Time: Between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (Spain), 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Latin America)
   • Phrase: “¿A qué hora almuerzas normalmente?” (At what time do you usually have lunch?)
   • Common foods:
     • La sopa (soup)
     • La ensalada (salad)
     • El plato principal (main course)
     • El postre (dessert)
3. La merienda (afternoon snack)
   • Time: Around 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
   • Phrase: “¿Quieres merendar conmigo?” (Do you want to have an afternoon snack with me?)
   • Common foods:
     • El café con leche (coffee with milk)
     • El chocolate caliente (hot chocolate)
     • Los bocadillos (sandwiches)
     • Las galletas (cookies)
4. La cena (dinner)
   • Time: Between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM (Spain), 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Latin America)
   • Phrase: “¿Qué vamos a cenar esta noche?” (What are we going to have for dinner tonight?)
   • Common foods:
     • Las tapas (in Spain)
     • Los platos ligeros (light dishes)
     • La sopa (soup)
     • El pescado (fish)

Useful Phrases (Frases Útiles)

• “Tengo hambre.” (I’m hungry.)
• “Estoy lleno/a.” (I’m full.)
• “¡Buen provecho!” or “¡Que aproveche!” (Enjoy your meal!)
• “La cuenta, por favor.” (The bill, please.)
• “¿Cuál es el plato del día?” (What is the dish of the day?)
• “¿Me puedes recomendar algo?” (Can you recommend something?)

Cultural Notes (Notas Culturales)

1. Spain: In Spain, “el almuerzo” is the main meal of the day and is often eaten later than in other countries.
2. “La sobremesa”: Refers to the time spent chatting at the table after a meal, an important social custom.
3. Tipping customs vary: In Spain, tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; in Latin America, it depends on the country.

Practice Exercise (Ejercicio de Práctica)

Try to translate and answer these questions:

1. ¿A qué hora desayunas normalmente? (At what time do you usually have breakfast?)
2. ¿Cuál es tu comida favorita para el almuerzo? (What is your favorite food for lunch?)
3. ¿Tienes la costumbre de merendar? (Do you have the habit of having an afternoon snack?)
4. ¿Prefieres cenar temprano o tarde? (Do you prefer to have dinner early or late?)

Remember, practicing these phrases and understanding meal customs will greatly enhance your Spanish language skills and cultural awareness! ¡Qué te vaya bien! (All the best!)