comida
everyday, Mexico
In Mexico the midday meal is usually called comida, and it is often the biggest meal of the day, eaten in the afternoon. Almuerzo exists but often means a meal in the late morning.
Meaning: the midday meal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| comida | everyday, Mexico |
| almuerzo | less common, late morning |
¿Ya comiste? ("have you eaten?") is a common way to ask whether someone has had lunch.
Which one should you use?
In Spain and several South American countries almuerzo is the normal word for lunch. A Mexican hearing almuerzo may think of a late breakfast, so comida is the safer word in Mexico.
When do people say it?
Many families eat la comida between two and four in the afternoon, often with a soup, a main dish and a drink.
Did you know?
- The word comida means both "food" and "the midday meal" in Mexico, so context tells you which one is meant.
Examples in context
- La comida es a las dos.Lunch is at two.
- ¿Qué hay de comida hoy?What is for lunch today?
- Vamos a comer tacos a la hora de la comida.We are going to eat tacos at lunchtime.
Example conversation
Rosa calls her son Diego at home in Mexico City.
- RosaDiego, ya está la comida.Diego, lunch is ready.
- Diego¿Qué hiciste, mamá?What did you make, Mom?
- RosaSopa de fideo y pollo.Noodle soup and chicken.
