desayuno
/desaˈʝuno/masculine
The English phrase "breakfast" is desayuno in Spanish.
desayuno refers to the first meal of the day. When you want to say "to eat breakfast", it is more common in Spanish to use the verb desayunar rather than the phrase comer el desayuno.
Meaning: first meal of the day (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word desayuno contains the prefix des-, which functions as a reversal meaning "un-". This suggests the word's etymological root relates to "un-fasting" or breaking a fast.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
desayuno is a masculine noun and is used with masculine articles like el. The past participle of the verb desayunar is desayunado.
How do you pronounce it?
/desaˈʝuno/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, desayuno is often split into two parts: a light snack upon waking and a second, larger meal called almuerzo eaten mid-morning.
- The word desayuno is a linguistic cousin to the French déjeuner and Portuguese desjejum, all sharing the same root of breaking a fast.
- In Mexico, it is common to have desayunos fuertes, which are heavy, savory meals like chilaquiles that would be considered a full lunch in English-speaking cultures.
Examples in context
- El desayuno está listo.Breakfast is ready.Tatoeba #1306254 by marcelostockle, translation #277773 by CK
- Él terminó su desayuno.He finished breakfast.Tatoeba #1439100 by marcelostockle, translation #881799 by CM
- Le preparé el desayuno.I prepared breakfast for him.Tatoeba #3606937 by teskmon, translation #3605328 by karloelkebekio
- Vamos a tomarnos un desayunito juntos mañana.Let's have breakfast together tomorrow.
- 186 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are in the kitchen in the morning.
- Alejandro¿Quieres desayuno, María?Do you want breakfast, María?
- MaríaSí, por favor, Alejandro.Yes, please, Alejandro.
- AlejandroVoy a hacer el desayuno ahora.I am going to make breakfast now.
- MaríaGracias, me encanta tu desayuno.Thanks, I love your breakfast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breakfast” translations and entries desayuno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desayuno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
