Inklingo
Get the App
← Dictionary

comida

/koh-MEE-dah/

food

A simple illustration of a wicker basket overflowing with various groceries, including fruit, vegetables, and a loaf of bread, symbolizing food in general.

As an A1 word, comida primarily means 'food' in a general sense, referring to anything edible.

comida(Noun)

fA1

food

?

In a general sense, anything you eat.

Also:

meal

?

A specific instance of eating, like breakfast or dinner.

,

dish

?

Referring to a specific preparation of food.

📝 In Action

Necesito comprar comida para el fin de semana.

A1

I need to buy food for the weekend.

Mi comida favorita es la pasta.

A1

My favorite food is pasta.

Esta es una comida típica de mi país.

A2

This is a typical dish from my country.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • alimento (food, nourishment)

Common Collocations

  • comida rápida – fast food
  • comida para llevar – takeout / to-go food
  • comida casera – homemade food
  • comida chatarra – junk food

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

No matter what kind of food you're talking about, 'comida' is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la comida' (the food) or 'una comida deliciosa' (a delicious meal).

❌ Common Pitfalls

General Food vs. Specific Item

Mistake: "Pointing to an apple and asking, '¿Quieres una comida?'"

Correction: It's better to say, '¿Quieres una manzana?'. 'Comida' refers to food in general or a whole meal, not a single, specific item like one piece of fruit.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Go-To Word for 'Food'

When you want to talk about 'food' without getting specific, 'comida' is almost always the right word. It covers everything from groceries in a store to the meal on your plate.

A single place setting on a wooden table featuring a plate of prepared food (meat, rice, and vegetables), representing a specific meal like lunch.

In many Spanish-speaking regions, comida refers specifically to the main midday meal, or 'lunch'.

comida(Noun)

fA2

lunch

?

The main midday meal, especially in Spain.

Also:

dinner

?

In some regions, it can refer to the main evening meal.

📝 In Action

¿A qué hora es la comida?

A2

What time is lunch?

Vamos a casa de mi abuela para la comida del domingo.

B1

We're going to my grandmother's house for Sunday lunch.

Hoy no tengo tiempo para una comida larga.

B1

Today I don't have time for a long lunch.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • almuerzo (lunch)

Common Collocations

  • la hora de la comida – lunchtime

⭐ Usage Tips

Lunch vs. Dinner

Context is key! In Spain, 'la comida' almost always means lunch, the big meal around 2 PM. In many parts of Latin America, it can also mean lunch, but the evening meal ('la cena') might be the main one. If someone invites you to 'la comida', assume it's the midday meal unless they say otherwise.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: comida

Question 1 of 2

If a friend in Madrid says, 'Nos vemos para la comida a las tres', what are they inviting you to?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

comer(to eat) - verb
comedor(dining room) - noun
comestible(edible) - adjective
comensal(diner (person eating)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'comida' and 'almuerzo'?

'Comida' is a broad term for 'food' or 'meal'. It can also specifically mean 'lunch', especially in Spain. 'Almuerzo' specifically means 'lunch'. So, while you can often use both for 'lunch', only 'comida' can mean 'food' in general.

Is 'comida' always a feminine word?

Yes, as a noun, 'comida' is always feminine. You will always hear 'la comida' (the food) or 'una comida' (a meal). Never 'el comida'.

How do I say 'dinner' in Spanish?

The most common word for the evening meal or 'dinner' is 'la cena'. While 'comida' can sometimes refer to the main meal of the day even if it's in the evening, 'cena' is specifically for dinner.