Spanish · Food & Drink
"Food" in Spanish: comida
la comida
The everyday word for food is la comida (koh-MEE-dah). It is feminine, so you say la comida rica, not el comida. Comida also covers a cooked meal, and on many Mexican menus la comida means the big midday plate.
How to pronounce comida: audio and sound guideChoosing a restaurant
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How to pronounce comida
Say it
koh-MEE-dah
/koˈmi.ða/
Stress MEE: koh-MEE-dah. The first o is like the o in "coat" cut short. The d is soft, almost like a light th between vowels in careful speech, but a clear d is fine for beginners.
"Food" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la comida | food, a meal Default word for food in general and for a cooked meal. | Default word for food in general and for a cooked meal. |
| la comida casera | home cooking Praise for simple food made at home. | Praise for simple food made at home. |
| la comida rápida | fast food Burgers, fries, and chain restaurants. | Burgers, fries, and chain restaurants. |
| sin comida | without food / no meal Useful when you need to skip a meal or say there is nothing to eat. | Useful when you need to skip a meal or say there is nothing to eat. |
How to use comida in real life
- 1Choosing a restaurant
¿Qué tipo de comida prefieres?
What kind of food do you prefer?
Tipo de comida helps narrow Mexican, Chinese, or vegetarian options.
- 2At a friend's house
Tu comida está deliciosa.
Your food is delicious.
A warm compliment after someone cooks for you.
- 3Planning the day
La comida es a las dos.
Lunch is at two.
In Mexico and nearby, la comida often means the main midday meal.
Mistakes English speakers make with comida
Incorrect: El comida está lista.
Correct: La comida está lista.
Comida is feminine. Pair it with la, esta, and adjectives that end in -a: rica, lista, caliente.
Incorrect: Quiero comprar foods.
Correct: Quiero comprar comida.
Spanish keeps comida as a mass noun for "food" in general. For several dishes, say platos or comidas.
Good to know
Good to knowAcross much of Latin America the big meal sits in the early afternoon, and people still call that sitting la comida even though the same word also means food in general. Evening plates are often lighter. When someone invites you a comer, they usually mean that midday meal, not a late snack.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Deciding where to eat downtown
ChatPal
¿Tienes hambre? Hay buena comida cerca.
Are you hungry? There's good food nearby.
You
Sí. ¿Qué comida sirven allí?
Yes. What food do they serve there?
ChatPal
Comida mexicana: tacos, sopa y arroz.
Mexican food: tacos, soup, and rice.
You
Perfecto, vamos.
Perfect, let's go.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Food" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Food" in Spanish
Is comida masculine or feminine?
Feminine: la comida, esa comida, una comida pesada. Adjectives usually take the -a form.
Does comida mean food or lunch?
Both. It means food in general, and in Mexico and Central America la comida often means the main midday meal.
How do I say "I like this food"?
Me gusta esta comida. For strong praise: Esta comida está deliciosa.
What is comida casera?
Home-style cooking. Locals use it as a compliment for simple, comforting plates.
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