Inklingo

How to Say "lunch" in Spanish

English → Spanish

almuerzo

ahl-MWEHR-soh/alˈmweɾso/

nounA1general
Use 'almuerzo' for the general midday meal, suitable for most contexts and regions when referring to lunch.
A simple, prepared lunch meal consisting of a sandwich, an apple, and a glass of orange juice on a plate set on a table.

Examples

¿A qué hora es el almuerzo?

What time is lunch?

Necesito preparar mi almuerzo antes de salir.

I need to prepare my lunch before leaving.

El menú del almuerzo de hoy es pollo con arroz.

Today's lunch menu is chicken and rice.

Masculine Noun

As a masculine noun, 'almuerzo' always uses the masculine articles 'el' or 'un'. Remember: el almuerzo, un buen almuerzo.

Using 'La' instead of 'El'

Mistake: “La almuerzo.”

Correction: El almuerzo. Spanish nouns have fixed gender, and 'almuerzo' is always masculine.

comida

/koh-MEE-dah//koˈmiða/

nounA2general
Use 'comida' specifically for the main, often larger, midday meal, especially common in Spain where it's the most significant meal of the day.
A single place setting on a wooden table featuring a plate of prepared food (meat, rice, and vegetables), representing a specific meal like lunch.

Examples

¿A qué hora es la comida?

What time is lunch?

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

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

Hoy no tengo tiempo para una comida larga.

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

General vs. Main Midday Meal

Learners often confuse 'almuerzo' and 'comida' because both can mean 'lunch'. Remember that 'almuerzo' is the more general term for any midday meal, while 'comida' often refers to the main, more substantial meal, especially in Spain.

Related Translations

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