meryenda
/meɾˈjenda/
In Tagalog, snack is meryenda.
The term meryenda refers to an item of food eaten between meals, typically in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. For the action of eating a snack, you can use the verb magmeryenda. You may also see meryendang tinapay used to mean snack bread.
Meaning: an item of food eaten between meals (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in parts of Luzon, the term minatamis may be used to refer to a sweet snack or dessert.
How do you pronounce it?
/meɾˈjenda/
When do people say it?
In the Philippines, meryenda typically describes a snack eaten during the mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Did you know?
- Because of its Spanish roots, meryenda is a linguistic relative of the English word 'meridian', as both relate to the mid-day divisions of time.
- There is a specific cultural concept called meryenda cena, which is a heavy snack eaten in the late afternoon that blends a snack and dinner.
- In many Filipino households, meryenda is not just a quick bite but a culturally significant social time used to welcome guests.
Examples in context
- Sigurado akong natuwa si Lola sa pinaghandaan mo para sa kanya na meryenda.I'm sure Grandmother was pleased with the snack you had prepared for her.This sentence shows how to use meryenda when discussing a snack prepared for someone.
- Pwede po bang mag-meryenda?May I have a snack, please?
- Masarap ang meryenda natin ngayon.Our snack today is delicious.
- Bibili ako ng meryenda sa palengke.I will buy a snack at the market.
Example conversation
Juan and Christina are in the living room during the afternoon.
- JuanChristina, ano ang gusto mong meryenda?Christina, what snack do you want?
- ChristinaGusto ko ng tinapay, Juan.I want some bread, Juan.
- JuanSige, bibili ako agad.Okay, I will buy it right away.
- ChristinaSalamat, ang bait mo talaga.Thank you, you are so kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry meryenda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
