What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the gerund preparando (preparing), the definite article la (the) and the noun cena (dinner).
Which one should you use?
While cocinando la cena is a literal translation of "cooking dinner", preparando la cena is often more common in natural Spanish to describe the general process of meal preparation.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the simple present or the habitual action of "I cook dinner", use the conjugated verb preparo la cena instead of the gerund preparando. To express the infinitive "to cook dinner", use preparar la cena, which is used after other verbs, such as in Tengo que preparar la cena (I have to cook dinner). Note that specific cooking methods can be expressed with other verbs, such as guisar (to stew) or asar (to roast).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾepaɾando la θena/
Did you know?
- The word cena shares an ancient root with the English word 'corner' and the word 'curate', both of which relate to cutting or portions.
- While preparando la cena is common, Spanish has a specific verb cenar that combines 'to eat' and 'dinner' into one word, making the phrase 'cooking dinner' a more elaborate way to describe the process.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, la cena takes place much later than in English-speaking cultures, often between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Examples in context
- Ella está ocupada preparando la cena.She is busy cooking dinner.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe someone being busy with the task of preparando la cena.Tatoeba #1068565 by hayastan, translation #317314 by CK
- En ese momento estaba preparando la cena.She was cooking dinner at that time.This sentence shows how to use preparando la cena to describe an action happening at a specific moment in the past.Tatoeba #2170734 by Shishir, translation #311118 by CK
- Mi madre estaba ocupada preparando la cena.My mother was busy cooking dinner.This sentence demonstrates the use of preparando la cena when describing someone being busy.Tatoeba #952666 by hayastan, translation #1422380 by CK
- Hoy estaré preparando la cena para los invitados.Today I will be preparing the dinner for the guests.
- ¡Buen provecho y que disfrutes cocinando la cena!Enjoy your meal and have fun cooking dinner!
Example conversation
Mateo comes home and finds Sofia in the kitchen.
- Mateo¿Qué haces, Sofía?What are you doing, Sofia?
- SofíaEstoy preparando la cena para nosotros.I am cooking dinner for us.
- MateoHuele muy bien, ¿puedo ayudarte?It smells very good, can I help you?
- SofíaSí, por favor, pon la mesa.Yes, please, set the table.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cena, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
