desayuno ligero
/desaʝuno lixeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "light breakfast" is translated into Spanish as desayuno ligero.
This phrase refers to a small meal eaten in the morning that is not heavy or filling. If you prefer to express the action of eating a light breakfast using a verb, you can say desayunar ligero.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because desayuno is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine adjective ligero. Using the feminine form desayuno ligera is grammatically incorrect.
How do you pronounce it?
/desaʝuno lixeɾo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the form desayuno ligera. Because desayuno is a masculine noun, the adjective must be the masculine ligero.
Did you know?
- The term desayuno is a linguistic cousin to the French déjeuner, though in modern French, déjeuner refers to lunch rather than breakfast.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a 'light breakfast' might consist of only a 'café con leche' and a small pastry, as the main substantial meal is often eaten later in the day.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a desayuno ligero might be followed by a more substantial mid-morning snack called an almuerzo.
Examples in context
- Normalmente tomo un desayuno ligero.I usually have a light breakfast.This sentence is useful for describing a habitual action involving a desayuno ligero.Tatoeba #871169 by washisnein, translation #261506 by CK
- Me gustaría un desayuno ligero, por favorI would like a light breakfast, please
- Siempre prefiero tomar un desayuno liviano para empezar bien el díaI always prefer to have a light breakfast to start the day off right
- ¿Podría ofrecerme un desayuno ligero en mi habitación?Could you provide me with a light breakfast in my room, please?
- Prefiero un desayuno ligero antes de correr.I prefer a light breakfast before running.
- Hoy solo quiero un desayuno ligero.Today I only want a light breakfast.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are in a hotel dining room.
- Lucía¿Quieres comer mucho hoy, Alejandro?Do you want to eat a lot today, Alejandro?
- AlejandroNo, solo quiero un desayuno ligero.No, I only want a light breakfast.
- LucíaEstá bien, yo pediré un café y fruta.That's fine, I will order a coffee and fruit.
- AlejandroPerfecto, me parece una buena idea.Perfect, sounds like a good idea to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desayuno, ligero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
