alimentos
“alimentos” means “food” in Spanish (general term for what we eat).
food, provisions
Also: groceries, nourishment
📝 In Action
Necesitamos comprar más alimentos frescos para la semana.
A1We need to buy more fresh food for the week.
La escasez de alimentos en la región es una crisis grave.
B1The food shortage in the region is a serious crisis.
Las etiquetas nutricionales detallan los componentes de los alimentos procesados.
C1The nutritional labels detail the components of processed foods.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: alimentos
Question 1 of 1
Which Spanish word is best for referring to the general supply of things you buy at the supermarket?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the Latin word *alimentum*, which simply meant 'nourishment' or 'that which feeds.' It shares roots with the English word 'alimentary,' as in the 'alimentary canal.'
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'alimento' (singular) instead of 'alimentos' (plural)?
Yes, but 'alimento' usually refers to a single, specific food item (like 'a nutrient' or 'a type of food'). 'Alimentos' (plural) is much more common and is used when talking about food in general or a supply of food.
Is 'alimentos' the same as 'comida'?
They are very close! 'Alimentos' is the more technical or general word for the substance of food, often used in discussions about nutrition or public health. 'Comida' is used more often in daily life to mean 'a meal' or 'a dish.'