Spanish Phrase
Empaca alimentos no perecederos.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct instruction to put together food items that do not spoil easily or require refrigeration. It's crucial for situations where fresh food isn't available or storage is limited, ensuring a long-lasting food supply. It emphasizes preparedness and practicality.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when preparing for emergencies like natural disasters, going camping or hiking, or when stocking a pantry for long-term storage. It's a practical piece of advice for ensuring food security in various situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Empacaalimentosno perecederos
Empaca (Empacar)
'Empaca' is the informal 'tú' command form of the verb 'empacar,' meaning 'to pack.' It's used to give a direct instruction to a single person you address informally.
Alimentos
'Alimentos' means 'food items' or 'provisions.' It's a common and general term for food, often used in contexts of nutrition, supply, or storage, and is plural here.
No perecederos
This adjective phrase means 'non-perishable.' 'Perecedero' means 'perishable,' so 'no perecederos' describes items that do not spoil quickly and have a long shelf life. It agrees in gender and number with 'alimentos'.
🗨In Conversation
Mañana nos vamos de camping. ¿Qué debemos llevar?
Tomorrow we're going camping. What should we bring?
Empaca alimentos no perecederos, como latas y barras energéticas.
Pack non-perishable food, like cans and energy bars.
✕Common Mistakes
Pone alimentos no perecederos.
While 'poner' means 'to put,' 'empacar' specifically means 'to pack' or 'to package,' which is more appropriate for food items being prepared for travel or storage.
Empaca comidas que no se echan a perder.
While 'comidas' means 'meals' or 'foods,' 'alimentos' is a more formal and common term for food items in the context of provisions or nutrition. 'No perecederos' is also more concise than 'que no se echan a perder.'
↔Alternatives
Lleva comida que no se eche a perder.
Take food that doesn't spoil.
Prepara víveres no perecederos.
Prepare non-perishable provisions.
Guarda alimentos de larga duración.
Store long-lasting food.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, especially those prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, emergency preparedness is a common topic. Having a 'kit de emergencia' (emergency kit) that includes 'alimentos no perecederos' is often recommended by civil protection agencies. This phrase is practical advice for safety and self-sufficiency, reflecting a culture of readiness.