Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| comida | /koˈmida/ | feminine |
| pitanza | /piˈtanθa/ /piˈtansa/ |
dated, feminine |
| condumio | /konˈdumjo/ | colloquial, masculine |
| vianda | /ˈbjanda/ | feminine |
The word comida refers to food that is prepared and eaten. It is the standard term for a 'meal', but it is also the common word for 'food' in a general sense. In many Spanish-speaking countries, la comida specifically refers to the midday meal or lunch. Other specific meals include el desayuno for breakfast and el almuerzo for lunch.
Which one should you use?
While comida is the standard word, you may encounter other terms: vianda refers to food or provisions in a more literary sense and pitanza is a dated term often used in historical contexts to refer to food or rations. The masculine term condumio is a colloquial way to say meal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more casual or small meal, you can use the diminutive comidita. In literary contexts, vianda is used, while pitanza is considered an archaic or dated term. The masculine condumio is colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, lonche is used as an informal term for a meal or a packed lunch.
How does it change in a sentence?
comida is a feminine noun. condumio is a masculine noun. vianda and pitanza are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈmida/
When do people say it?
When people are eating, it is common to say ¡Buen provecho! to mean 'Enjoy your meal!'
Did you know?
- The word vianda is a linguistic sibling of vivienda, the word for 'housing'. Both stem from the Latin root for 'life', as food and shelter are the two basic requirements for living.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common and polite to say ¡Buen provecho! to strangers as you walk past their table in a restaurant, even if you do not know them.
- While comida means 'meal', it is also used in some countries to describe the act of eating lunch as a social event, often the largest and most important meal of the day.
Examples in context
- Gracias por la comida.Thanks for the meal.This sentence is useful for expressing thanks for a meal.Tatoeba #1296705 by marcelostockle, translation #915168 by CK
- Cada cual pagó su comida.Everyone paid for his own meal.This sentence is useful for describing how individuals paid for their own meal.Tatoeba #2258221 by hayastan, translation #2258220 by _undertoad
- Permíteme pagar la comida.Allow me to pay for the meal.This sentence is useful for offering to pay for the meal.Tatoeba #2399146 by marcelostockle, translation #10795515 by Luornu
- ¡Qué rica comida!What a delicious meal!
- Vamos a preparar una rica comidita juntosLet's prepare a delicious meal together
- Después de la fiesta, vamos a comernos algo ricoAfter the party, let's eat something tasty
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at a restaurant.
- AlejandroLa comida está deliciosa.The meal is delicious.
- SofíaMe alegra que te guste, Alejandro.I'm glad you like it, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Quieres probar un poco de la mía?Do you want to try some of mine?
- SofíaNo, gracias, estoy satisfecha.No, thanks, I am full.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meal” translations and entries comida, pitanza, condumio, vianda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comida, pitanza, vianda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
