última cena
/ultima θena/from spelling rules
The English phrase "last meal" is translated into Spanish as última cena.
This term refers to the final meal a person eats before being executed.
Meaning: final meal before being executed (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the word última, which means "last" and cena, which means "supper" or "dinner".
Which one should you use?
While última cena can refer to a last meal before execution, it is most commonly used to refer to "The Last Supper" in a religious context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a feminine noun phrase. Consequently, any articles or accompanying adjectives must also be feminine, such as la última cena or una última cena.
How do you pronounce it?
/ultima θena/
Did you know?
- The word cena shares an ancient root with the English word 'corner', both stemming from a concept of a 'portion' or a piece cut off.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the cena is often a much lighter meal than the comida, which is the main meal of the day.
- Because última cena is so strongly linked to the biblical event, using it to describe a prisoner's meal can sound unintentionally dramatic or poetic to native speakers.
Examples in context
- Organicemos una gran última comilona con todos nuestros amigos.Let's organize a big last meal with all our friends.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a true crime documentary.
- DanielEl condenado pidió mucha comida en su última cena.The convict ordered a lot of food for his last meal.
- MaríaEs común que pidan sus platos favoritos.It is common for them to ask for their favorite dishes.
- DanielTengo curiosidad por saber qué elegiría yo.I am curious to know what I would choose.
- MaríaSeguro que elegirías algo dulce, Daniel.You would surely choose something sweet, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
