Spanish Phrase
Esta noche cenamos pasta.
Meaning
This phrase indicates a specific plan for the evening meal. In Spanish, the present tense 'cenamos' is used to express a near-future action that is already decided, making the statement sound natural and certain.
When to use
Use this phrase in a casual setting when telling family, roommates, or friends what the dinner menu is for the evening. It is a common way to coordinate or announce meal plans.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esta nochecenamospasta
Presente de Indicativo
The present tense 'cenamos' functions as a near-future tense here, indicating a firm plan.
Cenar
This is a dedicated verb meaning 'to eat dinner', eliminating the need for extra words like 'eat' or 'food'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué hay de comer al final?
What are we eating in the end?
Esta noche cenamos pasta.
Tonight we are having pasta for dinner.
✕Common Mistakes
Esta noche cenamos la pasta.
In Spanish, you typically omit the definite article when referring to the type of food being served for a meal.
Esta noche comemos cena pasta.
Use the specific verb 'cenar' (to have dinner) rather than combining 'comer' (to eat) with the noun 'cena'.
↔Alternatives
Hoy toca pasta para cenar.
Today it's pasta for dinner.
Vamos a cenar pasta esta noche.
We are going to have pasta tonight.
Cultural Tip
Dinner in Spanish-speaking cultures, especially in Spain, is often eaten much later than in the US or UK, sometimes as late as 10:00 PM. Pasta is a popular choice for 'la cena' because it is relatively quick to prepare for a lighter evening meal.