When you talk about your favorite foods and how to act at the dinner table in Spanish, it helps to learn some important words and phrases. Here’s an easy guide to get you started.

1. Food Words

Basic Food Terms:

• Comida - Food
• Bebida - Drink
• Plato - Dish
• Ingredientes - Ingredients

How to Say What You Like or Don’t Like:

• Me gusta(n) - I like
  • Example: Me gusta la pizza (I like pizza).
• No me gusta(n) - I don’t like
  • Example: No me gusta el sushi (I don’t like sushi).
• Prefiero - I prefer
  • Example: Prefiero el pollo a la carne (I prefer chicken over meat).

2. Dining Table Words

Common Terms for Eating:

• Mesa - Table
• Cubiertos - Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
• Plato principal - Main dish
• Postre - Dessert
• Servilleta - Napkin

Useful Phrases for Eating Out:

• ¿Está listo para ordenar? - Are you ready to order?
• ¿Puede traer la cuenta, por favor? - Can you bring the bill, please?
• Gracias por la comida - Thank you for the meal.

3. Cultural Tips

Knowing a little about the culture can make your meal better:

• Tapas - Small snacks or appetizers that many people enjoy in Spain.
• Siesta - A quick nap that some people take in the afternoon, which can affect when meals are served in Spanish-speaking countries.

4. Extra Tips

When you go out to eat, remember these tips:

• Use polite language while eating, especially with older people or those you don’t know (for example, use Usted to show respect).
• Show you liked your meal by saying ¡Delicioso! (Delicious!) or ¡Exquisito! (Exquisite!) to share your thanks.

By learning these words and phrases, you’ll be able to talk about your food likes and enjoy eating out in Spanish easily. Keep practicing these terms to get better!