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A1 verb #9,000 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

merendar

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Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps merendar in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung merendar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic meaning of merendar: to eat a snack in the afternoon. You need to learn the present tense conjugation, especially the stem change (e to ie): 'yo meriendo,' 'tú meriendas,' 'él merienda.' At this stage, you will use it to talk about your daily routine and simple preferences. For example, 'Yo meriendo fruta' (I have fruit for a snack). It is important to associate this word with the time of day—after school or after work but before dinner. You will also learn to ask simple questions like '¿Qué quieres merendar?' (What do you want to have for a snack?). This verb is very useful for basic social interactions and describing your habits to others.

At the A2 level, you begin to use merendar in the past tenses to describe what you did yesterday or what you used to do as a child. You will practice the preterite ('ayer merendé un sándwich') and the imperfect ('de niño siempre merendaba galletas'). The imperfect is particularly common with this verb because the merienda is often a habitual action. You will also learn to use it with the 'ir a + infinitive' structure to talk about future plans: 'Mañana vamos a merendar en el parque.' At this level, you should also be comfortable using the verb with different types of food and drinks, and understand its cultural importance as a social bridge in Spanish-speaking countries.

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By B1, you should be able to use merendar in more complex sentence structures, including the subjunctive and conditional. For example, 'Mi madre quiere que meriende más fruta' (My mother wants me to eat more fruit for my snack) or 'Si tuviera tiempo, merendaría contigo' (If I had time, I would have a snack with you). You will also start to see the difference between the verb and the noun 'la merienda.' You might encounter the verb in more varied social contexts, such as organizing a 'merienda-cena' or discussing nutritional habits in a more detailed way. You should also be aware of regional variations in what people typically 'meriendan' in different Spanish-speaking countries, from 'mate' in the south to 'churros' in Spain.

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At the B2 level, you will explore the more idiomatic and colloquial uses of merendar. This includes the reflexive form 'merendarse,' which can mean to consume something very quickly or to easily defeat an opponent. For instance, 'El tenista se merendó a su rival en dos sets' (The tennis player made short work of his rival in two sets). You will also use the verb in more abstract discussions about culture, lifestyle, and the health implications of afternoon eating habits. You should be able to follow fast-paced conversations where 'merendar' might be used metaphorically or in jokes. Your vocabulary surrounding the verb will expand to include more sophisticated collocations and synonyms like 'refrigerar' or 'avituallarse' in specific contexts.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of merendar in literature and formal writing. You will recognize how authors use the act of 'merendar' to establish atmosphere, character background, or social class. You can discuss the etymology of the word (from the Latin 'merenda') and its historical evolution from a Roman military ration to a modern social custom. You will be able to use the verb in all moods and tenses with perfect precision, including the most obscure forms. You can also analyze the sociological impact of the 'merienda' on Spanish work schedules and how it differs from the 'afternoon tea' or 'snacking' cultures in other parts of the world. Your use of the word will be indistinguishable from a native speaker's.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of merendar involves an appreciation for its most subtle connotations and its place in the vast tapestry of Spanish dialects. You can engage in deep cultural analysis of how the 'merienda' ritual has survived or adapted in the face of globalization. You will understand and perhaps even use rare or archaic related terms in a literary context. You can play with the word's metaphorical potential in creative writing or high-level oratory. Whether you are discussing the economic impact of the 'merienda' industry or the psychological comfort of afternoon rituals, you use 'merendar' as a tool for sophisticated expression, fully aware of its historical weight and modern social utility.

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Merendar is the specific Spanish verb for having an afternoon snack, usually between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
It is a stem-changing verb (e to ie) in the present tense, except for nosotros and vosotros forms.
The word comes from the Latin 'merere,' meaning 'to deserve,' originally referring to a soldier's reward.
In slang, the reflexive 'merendarse' can mean to defeat someone easily or to devour something quickly.

The Spanish verb merendar is a fundamental cultural pillar in the Spanish-speaking world, particularly in Spain and parts of Latin America. At its core, it refers to the act of having a light meal or snack in the late afternoon, typically between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. This ritual, known as 'la merienda,' serves as a vital bridge between a large midday lunch (el almuerzo) and a late evening dinner (la cena). Because dinner in Spain is often served after 9:00 PM, the body requires a nutritional boost to sustain energy levels through the afternoon. This verb is not merely about the biological act of eating; it is a social event, a moment of respite, and a cherished childhood memory for millions.

Social Context: In Spain, it is common for grandparents to take their grandchildren to a 'pastelería' or 'cafetería' to merendar after school, reinforcing family bonds over pastries or small sandwiches.

¿Quieres merendar con nosotros hoy por la tarde?

The word carries a sense of comfort and leisure. When one decides to merendar, they are usually opting for something sweet like 'chocolate con churros' or something savory like a 'bocadillo de jamón' (a ham sandwich). In Argentina and Uruguay, the concept of merendar is inextricably linked to 'mate,' where friends gather to share the herbal tea along with 'facturas' (pastries).

Timing and Ritual: The merienda typically occurs as the sun begins to set, marking the transition from the workday to personal time.

Historically, the term comes from the Latin 'merere,' meaning 'to deserve.' In the Roman military, the 'merenda' was the afternoon meal given to soldiers who had completed their day's labor, essentially a reward they had 'deserved.' Today, that sense of reward remains, as people use the afternoon snack as a reward for a hard day at work or school.

Los niños siempre meriendan fruta después de clase.

Understanding this verb requires understanding the Spanish clock. If you tell a Spaniard you are going to 'merendar' at 3:00 PM, they will be confused, as that is still lunchtime. Similarly, if you do it at 9:00 PM, you are already having dinner. The specificity of the timeframe is what makes this verb unique compared to the English 'to snack,' which can happen at any hour of the day or night.

Common Foods: Typical items include yogurt, fruit, nuts, or the iconic 'pan con chocolate' (bread with chocolate).

Mañana vamos a merendar a esa pastelería nueva del centro.

Si no meriendo, llego a la cena con muchísima hambre.

In conclusion, to merendar is to participate in a centuries-old tradition of mid-afternoon sustenance that prioritizes community, family, and the simple pleasure of a well-timed bite.

Using the verb merendar correctly requires attention to its grammatical structure as an -ar verb with a stem change. It follows the e-ie pattern, meaning that in all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros,' the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie.' For example, 'yo meriendo,' 'tú meriendas,' and 'ellos meriendan.' This phonetic shift is crucial for sounding natural.

Direct Object Usage: You can use it transitively by placing the food directly after the verb: 'Meriendo una manzana' (I am snacking on an apple).

Nosotros merendamos galletas con leche cada tarde.

Another common way to use it is with the preposition 'con' to indicate companionship or a side drink. You might say 'Suelo merendar con mis amigos' or 'Me gusta merendar con un café con leche.' When talking about locations, you use 'en': 'Vamos a merendar en la cafetería.'

Frequency and Habits: It is often paired with frequency adverbs like 'siempre,' 'a veces,' or 'nunca' to describe daily routines.

¿Qué vas a merendar hoy?

In more advanced contexts, the verb can take on a reflexive form 'merendarse,' which colloquially means to consume something very quickly or, metaphorically, to defeat an opponent with ease. For example, 'El equipo se merendó al rival' means the team crushed the opponent. However, for A1-B1 learners, focusing on the literal sense of eating an afternoon snack is the priority.

Invitations: 'Te invito a merendar' is a very common and polite way to ask someone to hang out in the afternoon.

Mi abuela siempre me preparaba algo rico para merendar.

Si no meriendas ahora, no podrás esperar hasta la cena.

Ellos prefieren merendar algo salado como unas aceitunas.

When teaching children, the imperative form is frequent: '¡Merienda toda tu fruta!' (Eat all your fruit snack!). This highlights the verb's role in daily commands and upbringing. It is also used in the future tense to plan social gatherings: 'Merendaremos en el parque si hace buen tiempo.' In summary, whether used to describe a habit, an invitation, or a specific food item, merendar is a versatile verb that fits into various sentence structures while maintaining its core focus on the afternoon snack period.

You will hear the word merendar most frequently in domestic and social settings. In a typical Spanish household, around 5:30 PM, you might hear a parent shout to their children, '¿Qué queréis merendar?' (What do you want for your snack?). This is the prime time for the word to appear in conversation. In public spaces, particularly in 'cafeterías' and 'pastelerías,' the word is ubiquitous. You'll see signs advertising 'Ofertas para merendar' or hear groups of friends discussing where to go: '¿Vamos a merendar a la plaza?'

At School: Teachers and parents use it constantly when referring to the small break children have to eat something they brought from home.

En el recreo de la tarde, todos los alumnos salen a merendar.

In television shows and movies depicting daily life, characters will often use 'merendar' as a plot device to facilitate a meeting. It is the perfect 'low-stakes' social invitation—less formal than a dinner and shorter than a lunch. In literature, especially in costumbrista works (writing that focuses on local customs), the act of merendar is often described in detail to evoke a sense of tradition and peace.

Regional Variations: While in Spain it's almost always between lunch and dinner, in some parts of Mexico, 'merendar' can sometimes refer to a very light dinner itself if eaten early.

¿Te apetece merendar unos churros con chocolate?

You will also hear it in sports commentary, albeit in its slang reflexive form. If a striker scores a very easy goal, the commentator might say '¡Se lo merendó!' (He ate him up/He destroyed him!). This usage is common in high-energy broadcasts. However, in most daily interactions, the word remains tied to its sweet and savory culinary roots. If you are walking through a park in Buenos Aires, you'll hear people asking for 'agua caliente' for their mate so they can 'merendar' properly on the grass.

Ayer fuimos a merendar a casa de mi tía y nos dio tarta de manzana.

Es muy sano merendar un puñado de frutos secos.

No tengo hambre porque acabo de merendar.

In professional environments, it's less common, though colleagues might occasionally suggest 'merendar' if they are working late. Overall, the word is a staple of the Spanish auditory landscape, signaling a time of day when the pace slows down and the focus shifts to small, delicious pleasures.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with merendar is treating it as a regular verb and forgetting the stem change. Many students say 'yo merendo' instead of 'yo meriendo.' This is a classic error because the 'ie' sound is distinctive to Spanish phonology and requires practice.

Stem Change Confusion: Learners often forget that the 'e' changes to 'ie' in all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros.' Correct: meriendas; Incorrect: merendas.

Incorrect: Yo ~~merendo~~ pan. Correct: Yo meriendo pan.

Another mistake is using the word 'merendar' for any snack at any time. In English, 'to snack' is time-independent. In Spanish, if you eat a granola bar at 10:00 AM, you are 'picando algo' or having a 'tentempié,' but you are not 'merendando.' Using 'merendar' in the morning sounds very strange to native speakers.

Time-Specific Usage: Merendar is strictly for the afternoon. For morning snacks, use 'tomar un tentempié' or 'almorzar' (in some regions).

Confusing 'merendar' with 'cenar' (to have dinner) is also common, especially for those from cultures where dinner is eaten at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. In Spain, if you eat a full meal at 6:00 PM, people will ask why you are 'merendando' so much. It's important to align your vocabulary with the local meal schedule.

Incorrect: Son las diez de la mañana y voy a ~~merendar~~. Correct: Voy a tomar un café.

Learners also struggle with the prepositional use. Some try to say 'merendar de' or 'merendar por,' but usually, it is either transitive ('merendar algo') or used with 'con' ('merendar con alguien').

Reflexive Overuse: Avoid using 'merendarse' for a simple snack. Save the reflexive form for colloquial situations where you mean 'to devour' or 'to win easily.'

¿Qué merendaste ayer en la fiesta?

No podemos merendar todavía, es demasiado pronto.

Ella siempre merienda cereales con yogur.

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse it with 'mirar' (to look) or 'mandar' (to send) just because they start with 'm.' The association with 'merienda' (the noun) is your best tool for remembering the verb.

While merendar is the most specific verb for the afternoon snack, there are several alternatives depending on the context, time, and intensity of the eating.

Picar: This means 'to nibble' or 'to peck at food.' It is less formal than merendar and usually implies eating small amounts of various things, often between any meals, not just in the afternoon.

En lugar de merendar algo serio, solo estuvimos picando patatas fritas.

Another common alternative is 'tomar algo' (to have something). This is a very broad phrase used for both drinks and snacks. If someone says '¿Vamos a tomar algo?', it could mean a beer, a coffee, or a full merienda. It is the go-to phrase for social outings.

Desayunar vs. Merendar: Desayunar is strictly for breakfast. While the foods (pastries, coffee) might be similar, the time of day is the deciding factor.

In some Latin American countries, you might hear 'tomar el té' (to have tea) or 'tomar las onces' (specifically in Colombia). These phrases serve the same functional purpose as 'merendar' but have different regional flavors. 'Las onces' is a fascinating Colombian tradition that mirrors the merienda perfectly.

Refrigerar: A more formal or technical term meaning 'to have a light refreshment.' You might see this in corporate event programs but rarely in spoken conversation.

No es lo mismo merendar que simplemente picar entre horas.

Prefiero merendar en casa que en la calle.

¿Qué solías merendar cuando eras pequeño?

For those looking for a more 'foodie' or modern vibe, 'hacer un brunch' has entered the Spanish vocabulary, but it usually replaces breakfast and lunch, whereas 'merendar' remains firmly in its afternoon slot. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right time and social setting.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word implies that the snack is something you have earned after a long day of activity. It shares the same root as the word 'merit.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK /me.ɾen.ˈdaɾ/

US /me.ɾen.ˈdaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: me-ren-DAR.

Reimt sich auf

andar cantar hablar estudiar cenar desayunar llegar pensar

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'e' like the 'ee' in 'see'. It should be like the 'e' in 'egg'.
Failing to roll or tap the 'r'.
Putting the stress on the first or second syllable instead of the last.
Not changing the stem to 'ie' in the present tense (e.g., saying 'merendo' instead of 'meriendo').
Pronouncing the 'd' too harshly like an English 'd'; in Spanish, it is softer, often with the tongue against the teeth.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Schreiben 3/5

The stem change (e-ie) and the irregular 'nosotros/vosotros' forms can be tricky for beginners.

Sprechen 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, but the rolled 'r' at the end requires some effort.

Hören 1/5

It is a clear, distinct word that is easily understood in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

comer beber tarde fruta pan

Als Nächstes lernen

cenar desayunar picar hambre sed

Fortgeschritten

avituallamiento colación tentempié refrigerio

Wichtige Grammatik

Stem-changing verbs (e -> ie)

Yo meriendo (I snack), but Nosotros merendamos (We snack).

Use of 'para' + infinitive to show purpose

Compré galletas para merendar.

Reflexive verbs for emphasis or colloquial meaning

Se merendó todo el pastel (He devoured the whole cake).

The Imperfect tense for habitual past actions

Siempre merendaba a las cinco.

Transitive vs. Intransitive usage

Voy a merendar (Intransitive). Voy a merendar una pera (Transitive).

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Yo meriendo una manzana cada tarde.

I have an apple for a snack every afternoon.

Present tense, 1st person singular. Note the stem change e -> ie.

¿Qué meriendas tú hoy?

What are you having for a snack today?

Question form, 2nd person singular. Note the stem change.

Los niños meriendan galletas con leche.

The children have cookies and milk for their snack.

3rd person plural. The stem change occurs here too.

Nosotros merendamos a las cinco.

We have our snack at five o'clock.

1st person plural. Note: NO stem change in the 'nosotros' form.

Ella merienda pan con chocolate.

She has bread with chocolate for a snack.

3rd person singular with stem change.

¿Queréis merendar con nosotros?

Do you all want to have a snack with us?

Infinitive form after the verb 'querer'.

Nunca meriendo antes de las seis.

I never have a snack before six.

Adverb 'nunca' placed before the verb.

Mi abuela me da un yogur para merendar.

My grandmother gives me a yogurt for my snack.

Infinitive used with 'para' to express purpose.

Ayer merendamos en un café muy bonito.

Yesterday we had a snack in a very pretty cafe.

Preterite tense. No stem change in the preterite.

De pequeña, siempre merendaba en casa de mi tía.

As a little girl, I always used to have a snack at my aunt's house.

Imperfect tense, used for habitual actions in the past.

Mañana voy a merendar con mis compañeros de clase.

Tomorrow I am going to have a snack with my classmates.

Future plan using 'ir a + infinitive'.

¿Qué merendaste el domingo pasado?

What did you have for a snack last Sunday?

Preterite tense, 2nd person singular.

Estábamos merendando cuando empezó a llover.

We were having a snack when it started to rain.

Past continuous using 'estar' + gerund (-ando).

Tienes que merendar algo antes de ir al gimnasio.

You have to have a snack before going to the gym.

Obligation with 'tener que + infinitive'.

Mis padres merendaban mientras veían la tele.

My parents used to have a snack while they watched TV.

Imperfect tense for simultaneous past actions.

No merendé nada porque no tenía hambre.

I didn't have a snack because I wasn't hungry.

Negative preterite followed by a reason in the imperfect.

Espero que meriendes bien antes del partido.

I hope you have a good snack before the game.

Present subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Si merendáramos ahora, no tendríamos hambre para la cena.

If we had a snack now, we wouldn't be hungry for dinner.

Imperfect subjunctive in a conditional 'if' clause.

Dudo que ellos merienden en ese lugar tan caro.

I doubt they have a snack in that expensive place.

Present subjunctive after 'dudar que'.

Cuando merendemos, te contaré todo lo que pasó.

When we have our snack, I'll tell you everything that happened.

Present subjunctive after 'cuando' for future actions.

Me gustaría merendar un té con pastas.

I would like to have tea and pastries for a snack.

Conditional tense to express a polite desire.

Aunque no tengo hambre, merendaré un poco por compromiso.

Even though I'm not hungry, I'll have a little snack out of politeness.

Future tense with a concessive 'aunque' clause.

Es importante merendar algo saludable todos los días.

It is important to have a healthy snack every day.

Infinitive used after an impersonal expression.

No creo que hayamos merendado lo suficiente.

I don't think we've had enough of a snack.

Present perfect subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

El equipo local se merendó al visitante en la primera parte.

The home team destroyed the visitors in the first half.

Colloquial reflexive use of 'merendarse' meaning to defeat easily.

Si no te hubieras merendado todo el pastel, ahora tendrías para mañana.

If you hadn't devoured the whole cake, you'd have some for tomorrow.

Pluperfect subjunctive in a third conditional sentence.

A pesar de haber merendado tarde, cenó con mucho apetito.

Despite having had a late snack, he ate dinner with a great appetite.

Perfect infinitive ('haber merendado') after 'a pesar de'.

Me merendé el libro en apenas dos horas.

I devoured the book in just two hours.

Reflexive use meaning to consume something (non-food) quickly.

Suele merendar mientras repasa sus apuntes de la universidad.

She usually has a snack while reviewing her university notes.

Present tense with 'soler' to express habit.

¡No te meriendes mis ahorros!

Don't blow through my savings!

Negative imperative, reflexive, metaphorical use for money.

Cualquiera diría que no has merendado en tres días.

Anyone would say you haven't had a snack in three days.

Present perfect indicative in a hypothetical comparison.

Habíamos quedado para merendar, pero me dio plantón.

We had arranged to have a snack, but he stood me up.

Pluperfect indicative followed by a colloquial expression.

El protagonista de la novela solía merendar en soledad, rumiando sus penas.

The novel's protagonist used to have his afternoon snack alone, brooding over his sorrows.

Literary use of the imperfect, establishing character mood.

Resulta paradójico que, tras merendar copiosamente, se quejara de la escasez de la cena.

It is paradoxical that, after having a copious snack, he complained about the scarcity of dinner.

Infinitive with 'tras' and an adverbial modifier.

La empresa se merendó a la competencia mediante una OPA hostil.

The company swallowed up the competition through a hostile takeover.

Reflexive metaphorical use in a business/economic context.

No es que no quiera merendar, es que me sienta mal el dulce a estas horas.

It's not that I don't want to have a snack, it's just that sweets don't agree with me at this time.

Subjunctive after 'No es que...' to deny a reason.

Aquel ritual de merendar chocolate con churros evocaba tiempos más sencillos.

That ritual of having chocolate and churros for a snack evoked simpler times.

Infinitive as part of a complex subject.

Se merendó el examen sin apenas despeinarse.

He breezed through the exam without breaking a sweat.

Colloquial reflexive use meaning to complete a task easily.

Podríamos merendar mientras ultimamos los detalles del contrato.

We could have a snack while we finalize the details of the contract.

Conditional for a suggestion in a formal-informal hybrid setting.

Siempre que merendábamos juntos, surgían las mejores ideas.

Whenever we had a snack together, the best ideas would emerge.

Imperfect indicative expressing a repeated correlation in the past.

La burguesía decimonónica gustaba de merendar en los salones más refinados de la capital.

The nineteenth-century bourgeoisie liked to have their afternoon snack in the capital's most refined salons.

Formal/Archaic construction 'gustar de + infinitive'.

Es imperativo que el niño meriende, so pena de que desfallezca antes del anochecer.

It is imperative that the child has a snack, lest he grow faint before nightfall.

Subjunctive after 'imperativo' with a formal 'so pena de' clause.

El mercado se ha merendado las esperanzas de los pequeños inversores.

The market has devoured the hopes of small investors.

Metaphorical reflexive use in high-level economic discourse.

Apenas hubo merendado, se puso manos a la obra con la redacción del informe.

Hardly had he finished his snack when he set to work writing the report.

Preterite anterior (hubo merendado), a very rare and formal past tense.

Merendar no es sino una tregua necesaria en la vorágine del día a día.

To have a snack is nothing but a necessary truce in the maelstrom of daily life.

Philosophical use of the infinitive as a noun with 'no es sino'.

Se merendó la distancia que le separaba del líder en un sprint final apoteósico.

He ate up the distance separating him from the leader in a magnificent final sprint.

Reflexive use applied to distance and time in sports journalism.

Quien bien merienda, bien cena, o así reza el dicho popular en mi pueblo.

He who snacks well, dines well, or so goes the popular saying in my village.

Proverbial structure using the present indicative.

No por mucho merendar amanece más temprano.

Having a bigger snack doesn't make the sun rise earlier (A play on a famous proverb).

Creative manipulation of a traditional 'refrán' (proverb).

Häufige Kollokationen

merendar fuerte

merendar sano

merendar fuera

dar de merendar

merendar juntos

merendar tarde

merendar chocolate

invitar a merendar

merendar algo ligero

parar para merendar

Häufige Phrasen

¿Qué hay para merendar?

— What is there for a snack? A very common question asked by children to parents.

Mamá, ¿qué hay para merendar hoy?

Ir a merendar

— To go out to have a snack. Implies a social outing to a cafe.

Vamos a merendar a la cafetería de la esquina.

Hora de merendar

— Snack time. The specific time in the afternoon designated for eating.

¡Niños! ¡Es la hora de merendar!

Quedar para merendar

— To make plans to meet for an afternoon snack.

He quedado para merendar con María a las cinco y media.

Merienda-cena

— A large late-afternoon snack that serves as both snack and dinner.

Hicimos una merienda-cena y nos fuimos pronto a la cama.

Traer algo para merendar

— To bring something to eat as a snack.

No te olvides de traer algo para merendar al parque.

Merendarse a alguien

— To defeat someone easily (colloquial).

En el debate, el candidato se merendó a sus oponentes.

Estar merendando

— To be currently having a snack.

Ahora no puede hablar, está merendando.

Sin merendar

— Without having had a snack.

Me he quedado sin merendar por culpa del trabajo.

Merendar de todo

— To eat a bit of everything for a snack.

En el cumpleaños de Juan, merendamos de todo.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

merendar vs almorzar

In Spain, 'almorzar' is a mid-morning snack, while 'merendar' is in the afternoon. In many LatAm countries, 'almorzar' is the main lunch.

merendar vs cenar

Dinner is a full meal, while merendar is a lighter snack. Confusion occurs because English dinner times often overlap with Spanish merienda times.

merendar vs desayunar

Breakfast occurs in the morning. Though the foods can be similar (coffee/pastries), the time of day is distinct.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Merendarse el mundo"

— To be very ambitious or to feel capable of doing anything.

Hoy me siento con ganas de merendarme el mundo.

colloquial

"Merendarse a besos"

— To cover someone (usually a baby or partner) in kisses.

¡Ese bebé es tan mono que me lo merendaría a besos!

informal/affectionate

"Merendarse la lógica"

— To ignore logic or to do something completely nonsensical.

Tu argumento se merienda la lógica básica.

colloquial

"Merendarse el presupuesto"

— To spend the entire budget very quickly.

En solo dos meses, se han merendado el presupuesto de todo el año.

informal

"Merendarse a alguien con patatas"

— To defeat or outshine someone overwhelmingly and effortlessly.

En la carrera, el campeón se merendó a los demás con patatas.

slang

"No merendar por no limpiar"

— To be extremely lazy (literally: not snacking to avoid having to clean up).

Eres tan vago que no meriendas por no limpiar.

colloquial

"Merendarse los problemas"

— To solve problems quickly and efficiently.

Ella tiene una actitud positiva y se merienda los problemas.

informal

"Merendarse la vida"

— To live life to the fullest and with great intensity.

A sus ochenta años, todavía tiene ganas de merendarse la vida.

poetic/informal

"Merendarse las palabras"

— To mumble or speak unclearly, 'eating' the sounds.

Habla más despacio, que te meriendas las palabras.

colloquial

"Merendarse el futuro"

— To waste or consume resources meant for the future.

Con esta deuda, nos estamos merendando el futuro de nuestros hijos.

journalistic/metaphorical

Leicht verwechselbar

merendar vs merienda

Noun vs. Verb

'Merienda' is the snack (the thing), while 'merendar' is the action of eating it.

La merienda (noun) es rica. Voy a merendar (verb).

merendar vs mirar

Phonetic similarity

'Mirar' means to look, 'merendar' means to snack. They only share the first letter and general length.

Mira el pájaro. Merienda el pan.

merendar vs mandar

Phonetic similarity

'Mandar' means to send or to command. It has no relation to food.

Te mando un mensaje. Meriendo una galleta.

merendar vs merodear

Phonetic similarity

'Merodear' means to prowl or loiter around. It sounds similar but has a suspicious connotation.

El gato merodea por el jardín.

merendar vs remendar

Anagram-like similarity

'Remendar' means to mend or patch clothes. It is a very different action.

Tengo que remendar mis pantalones.

Satzmuster

Yo [conjugation] [food].

Yo meriendo una manzana.

¿Qué quieres [infinitive]?

¿Qué quieres merendar?

Ayer [preterite] [location].

Ayer merendé en el parque.

De niño, siempre [imperfect].

De niño, siempre merendaba leche.

Espero que [subjunctive].

Espero que meriendes algo sano.

Si tuviera tiempo, [conditional].

Si tuviera tiempo, merendaría contigo.

[Reflexive] a su rival.

Se merendó a su rival.

Tras [infinitive], [main clause].

Tras merendar, se fue a correr.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

la merienda (the afternoon snack)

el merendero (a picnic area or a snack bar)

el merendón (someone who eats a lot of snacks; also a large snack)

Verben

merendar (to have a snack)

merendarse (to devour/defeat colloquial)

Adjektive

merendado (having already snacked)

merendable (suitable for snacking)

Verwandt

comer

cenar

desayunar

picar

tentempié

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially in Spain and Argentina.

Häufige Fehler

Yo merendo → Yo meriendo
This is an e-ie stem-changing verb. You must include the 'i' in all present tense forms except nosotros and vosotros.
Voy a merendar a las diez de la mañana. → Voy a tomar un café / Voy a almorzar.
'Merendar' is strictly for the afternoon. Using it in the morning is a temporal error.
Nosotros meriendamos. → Nosotros merendamos.
Stem changes never occur in the 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' forms of -ar and -er verbs in the present tense.
Ayer meriendé. → Ayer merendé.
The stem change only happens in the present tense (and some subjunctive). The preterite tense is regular.
Quiero merendar de una manzana. → Quiero merendar una manzana.
'Merendar' is a transitive verb; you don't need 'de' before the object you are eating.

Tipps

Master the Stem Change

Always remember the 'e' to 'ie' change in the present tense. Practice saying 'meriendo, meriendas, merienda' in a row to get the rhythm. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Think of the Spanish Clock

To use 'merendar' naturally, you have to understand the Spanish schedule. Lunch is at 2 PM, dinner is at 9 PM. The 'merienda' at 6 PM is the essential bridge that makes that schedule possible.

Common Objects

Learn the foods that usually go with 'merendar.' Bread (pan), fruit (fruta), yogurt (yogur), and cookies (galletas) are your best friends when building sentences with this verb.

The Perfect Invitation

If you want to meet a Spanish friend but don't want the commitment of a full meal, say: '¿Quedamos para merendar?' It's a low-pressure, friendly way to socialize.

Sports Talk

If you're watching a football match, listen for 'merendarse.' It's a great way to learn how verbs can change meaning in high-intensity, colloquial contexts.

The Latin Root

Remembering that it comes from 'merit' (something deserved) can help you remember the word. You worked all day, now you 'merit' a snack!

Argentine Mate

If you're in Argentina, 'merendar' is synonymous with 'tomar mate.' Knowing this cultural link will help you understand locals much better.

Past Tense Habits

Use the imperfect 'merendaba' to talk about your childhood. It's one of the most natural ways to use this verb in a conversation about the past.

Nutrition Context

In health articles, you'll often see 'la importancia de merendar' (the importance of snacking). It's a key verb for discussing a balanced diet in Spanish.

Listen for the Noun

Sometimes people say 'tomar la merienda' instead of 'merendar.' Both mean the same thing, so don't let the noun form confuse you!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine you are a soldier who has 'merited' (merere) a break. You sit down to 'merendar' in the afternoon as your reward.

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a clock at 5:30 PM with a steaming cup of chocolate and a golden churro next to it. That is the 'merendar' moment.

Word Web

tarde comida snack chocolate amigos hambre rutina niños

Herausforderung

Try to use the verb 'merendar' in three different tenses (present, past, and future) while describing your own afternoon habits.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin verb 'merere,' which means 'to deserve' or 'to earn.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In Roman times, 'merenda' was the food given to soldiers or laborers in the afternoon as a reward for their work.

Romance (Latin)

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and universally positive.

The closest equivalent is 'afternoon tea' or simply 'having a snack,' but neither captures the specific cultural timing and social weight of 'merendar.'

The song 'La Merienda' by various children's artists in Spain. Literary descriptions of meriendas in the works of Benito Pérez Galdós. Traditional paintings of 'merenderos' by Francisco de Goya.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

After school with children

¿Qué quieres merendar?
Lávate las manos antes de merendar.
No meriendes tantas chuches.
¿Has merendado ya?

Meeting friends at a cafe

¿Quedamos para merendar?
Conozco un sitio genial para merendar.
Yo voy a merendar un café con leche.
¿Qué vas a merendar tú?

Talking about health and diet

Es mejor merendar fruta que bollería.
No suelo merendar porque ceno pronto.
¿Es sano merendar todos los días?
Meriendo poco para no engordar.

Sports and competition (slang)

Se lo merendó en el primer set.
Nos van a merendar si no jugamos mejor.
El equipo se merendó al rival.
Me merendé el examen.

Travel and road trips

Vamos a parar en el próximo pueblo para merendar.
He traído unos sándwiches para merendar en el camino.
¿Dónde podemos merendar por aquí?
Busca un merendero para parar.

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Qué solías merendar cuando eras un niño en tu país?"

"Si pudieras merendar cualquier cosa ahora mismo, ¿qué elegirías?"

"¿Prefieres merendar algo dulce o algo salado por la tarde?"

"¿Crees que es importante merendar para tener energía hasta la cena?"

"¿Cuál es el mejor lugar de esta ciudad para ir a merendar con amigos?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe tu merienda ideal. ¿Con quién estarías y qué estarías comiendo?

Escribe sobre una tradición de tu país que sea similar a la merienda española.

¿Cómo cambian tus hábitos de merendar cuando estás de vacaciones comparado con cuando trabajas?

Investiga qué se merienda en Argentina y compáralo con lo que se merienda en España.

Escribe un diálogo entre dos amigos que quedan para merendar después de no verse en mucho tiempo.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, you can merendar anything! While sweets like pastries and chocolate are common, many people merendar savory things like sándwiches, ham, olives, or nuts. The word refers to the time and the act, not the specific food type.

Yes, it is understood everywhere, although its cultural importance is highest in Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. In some countries, they might use other terms like 'tomar las onces' (Colombia) or 'tomar el té,' but 'merendar' is universally recognized.

There is no official clock, but it generally happens between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. It must be after lunch and before dinner. If you eat at 4:00 PM, it might be considered an early merienda; at 8:00 PM, you're getting close to dinner time.

The 'nosotros' form is 'merendamos.' Remember, there is no stem change in the nosotros or vosotros forms in the present tense. So, it is 'nosotros merendamos' and 'vosotros merendáis,' but 'yo meriendo.'

Absolutely! While it's very associated with children, many adults merendar, especially if they work late or have social plans in the afternoon. It's a very common 'coffee break' time for workers as well.

It is a hybrid meal. It's a very large snack eaten slightly later than usual (maybe 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM) that is substantial enough to replace dinner entirely. It's common at parties or informal gatherings.

Usually, it is not reflexive ('merendar'). However, you can use it reflexively ('merendarse') in colloquial speech to mean 'to devour' or 'to defeat easily.' For basic use, stick to 'merendar.'

No, that would be 'picar algo' or 'recenar.' 'Merendar' is strictly for the afternoon period between lunch and dinner.

'Merendar' is a specific, recognized mealtime in the afternoon. 'Picar' is the act of nibbling on small amounts of food at any time, often while doing something else or waiting for a main meal.

Yes, it is a perfectly standard verb. You will see it in literature, news articles about health/nutrition, and even in formal event invitations.

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