cita para cenar
/θita paɾa θenaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dinner date" is translated into Spanish as cita para cenar.
cita para cenar refers to a romantic appointment to have a meal together in the evening. If you wish to say "meet up for dinner" instead of using the noun phrase, you can use the verbal phrase quedar para cenar.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cita (appointment or date), para (for or in order to) and cenar (to have dinner).
Which one should you use?
While the word cita can refer to a professional appointment, in a romantic context it is the standard word used for a "date".
How do you pronounce it?
/θita paɾa θenaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, a cita para cenar often happens much later than in English-speaking countries, frequently starting at 9 pm or even 10 pm.
- The word cita shares an ancient root with the English word 'cite', as both stem from the idea of summoning or calling someone to a specific place.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a first cita might not be a dinner at all, but rather a café, as a full dinner is seen as a more serious commitment.
Examples in context
- ¿Te gustaría quedar para cenar a las 7 de la noche?Would you like to meet up for dinner at 7 in the evening?
- Me encantaría tener una cena romántica contigo.I would love to have a romantic dinner with you.
- Tengo una cita para cenar esta noche.I have a dinner date tonight.
- Tengo una cita para cenar con ella.I have a dinner date with her.
- Ella aceptó mi cita para cenar.She accepted my dinner date.
Example conversation
Mateo is telling María about his plans for the evening.
- MateoMaría, tengo una cita para cenar esta noche.María, I have a dinner date tonight.
- María¿Con quién es tu cita para cenar?Who is your dinner date with?
- MateoEs con una chica nueva de la oficina.It is with a new girl from the office.
- María¡Qué bueno, Mateo, mucha suerte!That's great, Mateo, good luck!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cenar, cita, para, CC BY-SA 4.0.
