cena
/ˈt͡ʃe.na/
cena is the Italian word for dinner.
The word cena refers to the main meal eaten in the evening.
Which one should you use?
While cena refers specifically to the evening meal, it is distinct from pranzo, which is used for the midday meal or lunch.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cena is closely related to the verb cenare, which means to eat dinner.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /ˈtʃe.na/. The stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word cena shares a common ancestor with the English word 'cut', stemming from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning to cut or divide. This suggests the original concept of 'cena' was a specific portion or a cut of food.
- In Italy, the word cenacolo refers to the specific room where the Last Supper occurred, and it is derived from cena.
- In many parts of Italy, if you invite someone for a cena at 7 p.m., you might find yourself the only one at the table, as the meal is traditionally served much later.
Examples in context
- Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per due per la cena, per favore.I would like to book a table for two for dinner, please.
- Stasera preparo una cenetta romantica per noi due.Tonight, I'll prepare a romantic dinner for the two of us.
- Dopo tanto cibo a pranzo, stasera optiamo per un cenino leggero.After a heavy lunch, let's go for a light dinner tonight.
- Buona cena!Enjoy your dinner!
- La cena è pronta.Dinner is ready.
- Ho preparato una cena speciale.I prepared a special dinner.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are deciding what to eat in the evening.
- AlessandroChiara, cosa mangiamo per cena?Chiara, what are we eating for dinner?
- ChiaraPossiamo ordinare una pizza.We can order a pizza.
- AlessandroOttima idea, mi piace molto!Great idea, I like it a lot!
- ChiaraAllora chiamo io subito.Then I will call right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
