In Spanish, meals are an important part of the daily routine and culture, and each meal has its own name and typical time. Here are some common meal varieties you should know:
- Desayuno (Breakfast): The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning. Typical foods include coffee, milk, toast, pastries, and fruit.
- Almuerzo (Lunch): In many Spanish-speaking countries, this is the main meal of the day, eaten around midday. It often consists of several courses.
- Comida (Dinner/Lunch): Depending on the region, comida can mean either lunch or dinner. It's a substantial meal.
- Cena (Dinner): The evening meal, usually lighter than lunch and eaten later than in some other cultures, often around 8-10 PM.
- Merienda (Snack/Light Meal): A small meal or snack eaten in the late afternoon or early evening, such as a sandwich, fruit, or pastry.
- Aperitivo (Appetizer/Snack): Small bites eaten before a main meal, often accompanied by drinks.
- Postre (Dessert): Sweet dishes served at the end of a meal, such as flan, fruit, or cake.
The correct answer is 'Desayuno'.
'La cena' is usually eaten later in the evening, around 8-10 PM.
'Almuerzo' is often the main meal of the day.
Typical Meal Times
Meal times in Spanish-speaking countries can be quite different from those in the U.S. or northern Europe.
| Meal | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Desayuno | 6:30 - 9:00 AM | Light breakfast |
| Almuerzo | 1:30 - 3:30 PM | Main meal of the day, big lunch |
| Merienda | 5:00 - 7:00 PM | Light snack, especially for kids |
| Cena | 8:30 - 11:00 PM | Lighter dinner |
'Almuerzo' is typically eaten in the early afternoon.
Spanish Vocabulary for Meal Varieties
| Spanish | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Desayuno | Breakfast | First meal of the day |
| Almuerzo | Lunch | Main meal in many countries |
| Comida | Meal/Lunch/Dinner | Depends on region |
| Cena | Dinner | Evening meal |
| Merienda | Snack/Light meal | Afternoon snack |
| Aperitivo | Appetizer/Snack | Small bites before a meal |
| Postre | Dessert | Sweet course after a meal |
'Merienda' is a snack or light meal.
Example Sentences
- Desayuno: Tomamos café y tostadas para el desayuno.
(We have coffee and toast for breakfast.)
- Almuerzo: El almuerzo empieza a las dos en este país.
(Lunch starts at two o'clock in this country.)
- Cena: La cena suele ser ligera y se sirve tarde.
(Dinner is usually light and served late.)
- Merienda: Después del colegio, los niños toman una merienda.
(After school, the kids have a snack.)
- Postre: ¿Quieres postre? Tenemos flan y fruta.
(Do you want dessert? We have flan and fruit.)
'Merienda' is the correct term for a snack or light meal.
'Postre' means dessert.
'Aperitivo' is a small snack or appetizer before the main meal.
Conclusion
Knowing the different meal varieties in Spanish and their typical times can help you understand daily life and cultural habits in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Desayuno - Breakfast, usually light and early in the morning.
- Almuerzo - The main meal, eaten around midday.
- Cena - Dinner, served late and often lighter than lunch.
- Merienda - A common afternoon snack.