hora de cenar
/oɾa de θenaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "dinner time" is translated into Spanish as hora de cenar.
The phrase is used to refer to the specific time of day when the evening meal is eaten.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hora (hour or time), de (of) and the infinitive cenar (to eat dinner). Literally, it translates to "hour of to dine".
Which one should you use?
The common form hora de cenar uses a verb, whereas the alternative form la hora de la cena uses the noun cena (dinner) to mean the same thing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, La hora de la cena is used to refer to dinner time.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾa de θenaɾ/
When do people say it?
In Spain, dinner time is usually later than in the United States, as expressed by the sentence En España, la hora de la cena suele ser más tarde que en Estados Unidos.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking households, hora de cenar is a social event where the family remains at the table long after the food is finished, a practice known as sobremesa.
- Depending on the region, la cena may be a very light meal, as the largest meal of the day is often el almuerzo or la comida eaten in the afternoon.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a late hora de cenar is preceded by la merienda, a mid-afternoon snack that prevents people from being too hungry for a late meal.
Examples in context
- La familia se reúne a la hora de la cena todos los díasThe family gathers at dinner time every day.
- Me gusta pasar tiempo con mi familia durante la hora de la cenaI enjoy spending time with my family during dinner time.
- Odio esperar hasta la hora de cenar.I hate waiting until dinner time.
Example conversation
A couple is talking in their living room in the evening.
- ElenaDaniel, ya es la hora de cenar.Daniel, it is already dinner time.
- DanielTienes razón, Elena. Tengo mucha hambre.You are right, Elena. I am very hungry.
- ElenaLa comida está lista en la mesa.The food is ready on the table.
- DanielVoy para allá ahora mismo.I am going there right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
