¿quieres desayunar?
The English phrase "do you want breakfast?" is translated into Spanish as ¿quieres desayunar?
This phrase is used to ask if someone would like to eat a morning meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb querer (to want) and the infinitive desayunar (to breakfast/to eat breakfast).
Which one should you use?
While English often uses 'breakfast' as a noun ('do you want breakfast?'), Spanish commonly uses the verb 'desayunar' (to breakfast) to express the same idea.
Is it said differently in some regions?
When addressing a group of people, the phrasing depends on the region: in Spain, use ¿queréis desayunar? and in Latin America, use ¿quieren desayunar?
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the polite usted form instead of the informal tú when addressing one person, change quieres to quiere in the phrase ¿quiere desayunar?
Did you know?
- In Spain, a typical desayuno might include a tostada con tomate, which is toasted bread rubbed with garlic and topped with fresh tomato and olive oil.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of desayuno is split into two parts: a light first snack and a larger second breakfast known as almuerzo.
- The verb desayunar literally means 'to un-fast' or 'to break a fast'. It is built from the prefix 'des-' meaning 'undo' and 'ayunar', which means 'to fast'.
Examples in context
- ¡Hola, amigo! ¿Quieres desayunar?Hi, friend! Do you want to have breakfast?
- Buenos días, Ana. ¿Te apetece desayunar?Good morning, Ana. Do you feel like having breakfast?
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are in their kitchen in the morning.
- MateoHola, Lucía, ¿quieres desayunar?Hello, Lucía, do you want breakfast?
- LucíaSí, por favor, tengo mucha hambre.Yes, please, I am very hungry.
- MateoTe voy a preparar café y tostadas.I am going to prepare coffee and toast for you.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, suena perfecto.Thanks, Mateo, that sounds perfect.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desayunar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
