hora de cenar
/oɾa de θenaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "time for dinner" is translated into Spanish as hora de cenar.
This phrase is used to announce that it is the scheduled time to eat the evening meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hora de cenar literally translates to "hour of to dine".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, one might say ¡A cenar, que hoy hay asado! to mean "Let's have dinner because there's steak today!"
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the definite article 'la' before 'hora' makes the phrase la hora de cenar, which is often used when referring to a specific, established schedule.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾa de θenaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking households, the cena is not just a meal but a social ritual called sobremesa, where people stay at the table talking long after the food is gone.
- In Spain, a light cena often follows a heavy comida (midday meal), meaning the evening meal is frequently smaller than the lunch.
- In many parts of Spain, the actual time for cenar might not occur until 9 or 10 'p.m.', much later than in English-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- Es hora de cenar.It's time for dinner.This example shows how to use hora de cenar to state that it is currently time for dinner.Tatoeba #1021888 by Shishir, translation #324619 by CK
- Pronto será hora de cenar.It'll soon be time for dinner.This example shows how to use hora de cenar to indicate that the time for dinner will arrive soon.Tatoeba #1702682 by marcelostockle, translation #31593 by CK
- Casi es hora de cenar.It's about time for dinner.This example shows how to use hora de cenar to say it is almost time for dinner.Tatoeba #646328 by darinmex, translation #41685 by CK
- ¡Es hora de comer!It's time to eat!
- ¡A cenar, que hoy hay asado!Let's have dinner because there's steak today!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are in the living room in the evening.
- MateoElena, ya es hora de cenar.Elena, it is time for dinner now.
- Elena¡Qué bien! Tengo mucha hambre.Great! I am very hungry.
- Mateo¿Quieres que te sirva algo de beber?Do you want me to serve you something to drink?
- ElenaSí, por favor, un poco de agua.Yes, please, a little water.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
