Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
La cena (Dinner)
Introduce vocabulary related to dinner foods (pollo, arroz, pescado).
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Describe a typical dinner meal using at least 15 new vocabulary words related to food, drinks, and tableware.
Correctly use verbs like 'cenar', 'pedir', and 'servir' in the present, preterite, and present subjunctive moods.
Formulate recommendations and requests for dinner using the present subjunctive with verbs of influence (e.g., 'recomiendo que...', 'sugiero que...').
Construct complex sentences to ask and answer questions about dinner plans and preferences.
Create a short, realistic dialogue ordering a three-course dinner at a restaurant.
Compare and contrast dinner customs and typical meal times in a Spanish-speaking country with their own.
Your friend texts you: '¿Qué quieres para la cena?'...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
La CenaThe evening meal, or dinner. In many Spanish-speaking countries, this is often a lighter meal eaten later in the evening (e.g., 9 or 10 PM) than in the United States.Mi familia y yo tenemos la cena a las nueve de la noche.
El Plato PrincipalThe main course or entrée of a meal, typically featuring a protein like meat, chicken, or fish.Para el plato principal, voy to pedir el salmón a la parrilla.
Los CubiertosThe silverware or cutlery used for eating, including 'el tenedor' (fork), 'el cuchillo' (knife), and 'la cuchara' (spoon).Por favor, ¿me puede traer otros cubiertos? Se me cayó el tenedor.
Buen provechoA common, polite expression said to others before they begin eating, similar to 'Enjoy your meal' or 'Bon appét...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
Subjunctive with Verbs of Influence
Verb of Influence (Indicative) + 'que' + Different Subject + Verb (Present Subjunctive)
Use this structure when one person wants to influence the actions of another. It's perfect for making dinner suggestions. Common verbs of influence include 'recomendar' (to recommend), 'sugerir' (to suggest), 'querer' (to want), and 'insistir en' (to insist on).
Using 'Pedir' vs. 'Preguntar'
'Pedir' = to ask FOR something (to request/order). 'Preguntar' = to ask a question.
This is a crucial distinction at a restaurant. You 'pides la comida' (order the food) but 'preguntas si tienen opciones vegetarianas' (ask if they have vegetarian option...
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Challenging
You are ordering a three-course meal. Which dialogue sequence is the most logical and realistic?
A.Waiter: ¿Qué desea de postre? You: Quiero la ensalada. Waiter: ¿Y de plato principal? You: El flan.
B.Waiter: ¿Qué desea de primero? You: La sopa de pollo. Waiter: ¿Y de plato principal? You: El bistec. Waiter: ¿Algo de postre? You: Sí, el helado.
C.You: Quiero el postre. Waiter: ¿Y de plato principal? You: La sopa. Waiter: ¿Y de primero? You: El bistec.
D.Waiter: ¿Buen provecho? You: Sí, quiero la cuenta. Waiter: ¿Qué desea cenar?
Challenging
A family is at a restaurant. The father says, 'Para la cena, es importante que todos ___ algo saludable.' Which verb form correctly completes his statement?
A.comamos
B.comemos
C.comimos
D.comer
Challenging
After a long dinner at a friend's house in Madrid, the guests remain at the table talking and laughing for over an hour after the dessert plates have been cleared. This cultural practice is a clear example of:
A.Buen provecho
B.El plato principal
C.La sobremesa
D.Pedir la cuenta
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