comer al aire libre
/komeɾ al aiɾe libɾe/from spelling rules
Al fresco dining in Spanish is comer al aire libre.
The phrase comer al aire libre is the most common way to express the concept of eating outdoors in Spanish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase al aire libre literally translates to 'to the free air' or 'in the open air'.
Which one should you use?
While comer al aire libre refers generally to eating outdoors, comer en la terraza is more specific to eating on a restaurant's patio or terrace.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, comer en terraza is a popular phrase used to refer to dining al fresco, especially in urban areas.
How do you pronounce it?
/komeɾ al aiɾe libɾe/
Did you know?
- The Spanish concept of dining al aire libre often extends to the sobremesa, a cultural practice of staying at the table long after the meal has ended to talk.
- The word libre stems from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'people', which links the modern concept of 'freedom' to a connection with a community.
- In Spanish, aire does not just mean 'air', but is also used in the phrase dar aire to describe the act of ventilating a room by opening the windows.
Examples in context
- Vamos a comer al aire libre esta noche.We are going to have al fresco dining tonight.
- Aprovechemos el buen clima y disfrutemos de una comida al aire libre.Let's take advantage of the good weather and enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Vamos a comer fuera hoy, el clima está perfecto.Let's eat outside today, the weather is perfect.
- Me encanta comer al aire libre cuando hace buen tiempo.I love eating outdoors when the weather is good.
- Prefiero comer al aire libre en verano.I prefer to eat outdoors in summer.
- ¿Te gustaría comer al aire libre hoy?Would you like to eat outdoors today?
- Es muy agradable comer al aire libre aquí.It is very pleasant to eat outdoors here.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding where to have lunch on a sunny day.
- JavierHace un día muy bonito.It is a very beautiful day.
- SofíaSí, vamos a comer al aire libre.Yes, let's eat outdoors.
- Javier¡Buena idea, Sofía!Good idea, Sofía!
- SofíaBusquemos una mesa en la terraza.Let's look for a table on the terrace.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aire, comer, libre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
