cena
“cena” means “dinner” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
dinner
Also: supper
📝 In Action
¿A qué hora es la cena?
A1What time is dinner?
La cena de anoche estuvo deliciosa.
A2Last night's dinner was delicious.
Preparamos una cena especial para su cumpleaños.
B1We prepared a special dinner for her birthday.
he/she has dinner, you have dinner
Also: have dinner!
📝 In Action
Mi padre siempre cena a las ocho.
A1My father always has dinner at eight.
Cena un poco de fruta si no tienes mucha hambre.
A2Have some fruit for dinner if you're not very hungry.
Señora López, ¿usted cena aquí esta noche?
A2Mrs. Lopez, are you having dinner here tonight?
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cena
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'cena' as a noun (the meal)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'cēna', which also meant dinner or the main meal of the day for the Romans.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'cena' and 'comida'?
'Cena' is always the evening meal. 'Comida' can mean 'food' in general, or it can refer to the main midday meal, which is like lunch but often bigger and later than in English-speaking countries.
How do I say 'I have dinner'? Do I use the verb 'tener'?
No, you don't need 'tener' (to have). In Spanish, you use the verb 'cenar'. So, 'I have dinner' is simply 'Yo ceno'.