Spanish Phrase
Solemos cenar a las 7.
Meaning
‘We usually have dinner at seven o’clock.’ The sentence conveys a regular, habitual habit rather than a one‑off event.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing your family’s or your own routine dinner time, comparing schedules, or answering a question about when you normally eat dinner.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Solemoscenaralas7
Soler (present)
The verb *soler* expresses a habitual action. In the present indicative, *solemos* means “we usually/typically”.
Infinitive after *soler*
When *soler* is used, it is followed by an infinitive verb (here *cenar*) to describe the repeated activity.
Time expression *a las*
Use *a las* + hour to indicate the exact time something happens. The article *las* is used for feminine plural nouns like *horas*.
Number spelling
When speaking, numbers can be said as digits (*siete*) or spelled out; both are correct in this context.
🗨In Conversation
¿A qué hora sueles cenar?
What time do you usually have dinner?
Solemos cenar a las 7.
We usually have dinner at seven.
✕Common Mistakes
Solemos a cenar a las 7.
The preposition *a* should not be placed before the infinitive; *soler* directly precedes the infinitive.
Solemos cenar a las siete.
When writing the hour as a numeral, keep the numeral (7) or write the word *siete*; mixing numeral and word can look inconsistent.
Solemos cenar a 7.
In Spanish you need the article *las* before the hour when using the preposition *a*.
↔Alternatives
Normalmente cenamos a las 7.
Normally we have dinner at seven.
Generalmente cenamos a las siete.
Generally we have dinner at seven.
Suelo cenar a las 7, pero a veces más tarde.
I usually have dinner at seven, but sometimes later.
Cultural Tip
In Spain dinner is often later, around 9‑10 p.m., while many Latin American countries consider 7 p.m. a typical dinner hour. Using *solemos* signals that the time is part of a regular routine, not a strict rule.