pausa para la merienda
/pausa paɾa la meɾjenda/from spelling rules
The English phrase "snack break" is translated into Spanish as pausa para la merienda.
This phrase refers to a short rest from work or study taken to eat a light meal or snack. While a generic "snack" might be called an aperitivo or a tentempié, the term la merienda is the most common way to refer to a scheduled break specifically for eating something light.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pausa (break), para (for) and la merienda (the snack/afternoon snack).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, merienda refers to a light meal or snack typically taken in the afternoon. In Mexico, the informal term lonche is used to refer to a packed lunch or snack.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pausa para picar algo is pausas para picar algo. The plural form of descanso para merendar is descansos para merendar.
How do you pronounce it?
/pausa paɾa la meɾjenda/
When do people say it?
In many contexts, la merienda specifically refers to a light meal or snack that is typically eaten in the late afternoon.
Did you know?
- The Latin word merenda actually meant 'something to be earned', referring to tasks or food assigned to servants.
- While merienda is common in Spain, the term lonche in Mexico is a linguistic loanword from the English word 'lunch'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, la merienda is not just a quick snack but a significant social ritual often involving family or friends in the late afternoon.
Examples in context
- Sería conveniente tener un descanso para merendar durante la reunión.It would be convenient to have a snack break during the meeting.
- Por favor, incluyan un receso para tomar un tentempié durante el seminario.Please include a snack break during the seminar.
- ¡Vamos a tomar una pausa para picar algo!Let's take a snack break!
- Es hora de la pausa para la merienda.It is time for the snack break.
- Necesito una pausa para la merienda pronto.I need a snack break soon.
- La pausa para la merienda es muy corta.The snack break is very short.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are working in an office.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿estás listo para la pausa para la merienda?Daniel, are you ready for the snack break?
- DanielSí, María, tengo mucha hambre.Yes, María, I am very hungry.
- MaríaVamos a la cocina ahora.Let's go to the kitchen now.
- DanielPerfecto, vamos.Perfect, let's go.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
