Dinner
The verb 'to have dinner'. Use this when you are talking about the action of eating dinner.
Means 'food' or 'meal'. In some countries like Mexico, it refers to the main meal of the day, eaten in the afternoon (lunch). Be aware of this to avoid confusion.
A light snack, similar to tea time, usually eaten in the late afternoon between lunch and a late dinner. It's not a full dinner.
Dinner is ready at seven.
What are we going to have for dinner today?
My family and I have dinner together.
In Argentina, dinner is late, at 10 at night.
'La cena' is the standard term for the evening meal. It is often a lighter meal than 'el almuerzo' (lunch), which is the main meal of the day.
'La cena' is the evening meal. The main meal is 'la comida', served around 2-4 PM. 'Cena' is typically a lighter meal eaten later in the evening.
'La cena' is the common word for dinner. Some people may also call it 'la comida', but 'cena' is more specific to the evening meal.
'La cena' is the word for dinner, but it is famously eaten very late, often at 9 PM, 10 PM, or even later.
In Spain, 'la cena' is also the correct term. Like in Argentina, it's served late in the evening. The main meal, 'la comida', is in the mid-afternoon.
Saying 'tener cena' instead of 'cenar'. For example: 'Yo tengo cena a las 8.' — In Spanish, the action of eating dinner is expressed with the verb 'cenar'. The correct way to say 'I have dinner at 8' is 'Yo ceno a las 8'.
Using the wrong gender for 'cena'. For example: 'El cena está delicioso.' — 'Cena' is a feminine noun. You must use the feminine article 'la' and feminine adjectives. The correct sentence is 'La cena está deliciosa'.
Confusing 'cena' with 'comida' for the evening meal. — While 'comida' means 'food', it often specifically refers to the main midday meal (lunch) in many countries. For the evening meal, 'la cena' is the most precise term to use.