It’s considered the most important meal of the day, but how do you say breakfast in Spanish? The word for breakfast is desayuno. This is a masculine noun, in the Spanish language. Desayuno is a noun in Spanish. It refers to the first meal of the day, typically breakfast.
Here’s why it is a noun:
Nouns represent people, places, things, or ideas. Desayuno clearly refers to the concept of the first meal of the day.
Singular
breakfast – el desayuno
Plural
breakfasts – los desayunos
Verbs describe actions. Desayunar (conjugated form of desayuno) is the verb that means “to have breakfast.”
Fueling Up for the Day: Breakfast in Spanish-Speaking Cultures
Just like in English, “desayuno” translates to the first meal of the day, typically enjoyed in the morning. It holds a special place in Spanish-speaking cultures, serving as much more than just sustenance.
Imagine warm mornings filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sweetness of pastries. This sets the scene for a typical Spanish breakfast, often featuring an array of bread, toast, and pastries alongside refreshing juices. While some prefer a lighter fare, others might incorporate savory elements like eggs, ham, or cheese for a more robust start.
But breakfast in Spanish-speaking countries transcends simply fueling up for the day. It transforms into a cherished social event. Families and friends gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter as they savor their morning meal. This communal aspect fosters connection and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
In essence, breakfast becomes a way to connect, energize, and embrace the day with loved ones.
Useful Phrases
We’ve put together some quick, easy and handy phrases below. These are great if you’re talking about breakfast or your breakfast habits.
to have / eat breakfast – desayunar.
for breakfast – para desayunar.
I ate breakfast – desayuné.
what do you eat for breakfast – qué desayunas.
I have breakfast – desayuno.
I eat cereal for breakfast – desayuno cereal.
after breakfast – después del desayuno.
I eat breakfast in the morning – desayuno por la mañana.
then I eat breakfast – después desayuno.
Every morning, I have breakfast at 8 am. – Cada mañana, desayuno a las 8 am.
I have breakfast at seven every morning – Desayuno a las siete todas las mañanas.
At times I have breakfast in a restaurant – A veces desayuno en un restaurante.
I have breakfast every morning – Desayuno todas las mañanas.
I have breakfast every morning to give me energy during the day – Desayuno cada mañana para tener energía durante el día.
En España, un desayuno típico es churros con chocolate – In Spain, a typical breakfast is churros with hot chocolate.
Hints And Tips
Here we’ve very quickly looked at how to ask for or say breakfast in Spanish, some phrases that may come in useful when you are in Spain. One great app to use to help with translations is Deepl, which is free to use though there are also paid options. We actually did a complete article here, where we looked at several different apps and learning tools. This is another good resource to check out, if you’re serious about wanting to improve your language skills out here in Spain and don’t have access to a local class or teacher.
