Meaning
To dine at a restaurant or outside the home.
Cultural Background
The 'Menú del día' is a staple of eating out. It usually includes two courses, bread, a drink, and dessert or coffee for a fixed price. Eating out often happens at 'puestos' (street stalls). It is very common to eat tacos or tamales 'en la calle' (in the street), which is a subset of 'comer fuera'. Sunday 'asado' (BBQ) is usually at home, but 'comer fuera' at a 'parrilla' (steakhouse) is a popular alternative for celebrations. The 'sobremesa' is the tradition of staying at the table after eating out to talk. It can last longer than the meal itself.
Regional Choice
If you are in Mexico or Argentina, use 'afuera'. If you are in Spain, stick to 'fuera'.
Don't overcomplicate
You don't need to say 'comer fuera de la casa'. Just 'comer fuera' is enough.
Meaning
To dine at a restaurant or outside the home.
Regional Choice
If you are in Mexico or Argentina, use 'afuera'. If you are in Spain, stick to 'fuera'.
Don't overcomplicate
You don't need to say 'comer fuera de la casa'. Just 'comer fuera' is enough.
The Check
When you eat out in Spanish-speaking countries, remember you usually have to ask for the bill; they won't bring it automatically.
Verb substitution
Swap 'comer' for 'cenar' if you want to sound more precise about eating dinner out.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'comer fuera'.
Hoy no quiero cocinar. ¿Quieres _______ _______?
After the verb 'querer', we use the infinitive form.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'We ate out yesterday'?
Choose the correct option:
'Comer fuera' is the standard collocation; 'al fuera' and 'exterior' are incorrect.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are planning a birthday party at a bistro.
A bistro is a restaurant, so 'comer fuera' is the appropriate term.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: ¿Qué haces los domingos? B: Normalmente _______ _______ con mi familia.
The speaker is talking about their own habit (yo form).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Fuera vs. Afuera
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHoy no quiero cocinar. ¿Quieres _______ _______?
After the verb 'querer', we use the infinitive form.
Choose the correct option:
'Comer fuera' is the standard collocation; 'al fuera' and 'exterior' are incorrect.
Situation: You are planning a birthday party at a bistro.
A bistro is a restaurant, so 'comer fuera' is the appropriate term.
A: ¿Qué haces los domingos? B: Normalmente _______ _______ con mi familia.
The speaker is talking about their own habit (yo form).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsUsually no. It specifically refers to going to a restaurant. For a garden, use 'comer en el jardín'.
Not at all! It is the standard form in most of Latin America.
Yes, though 'desayunar fuera' is more specific and common.
It is neutral. You can use it in almost any situation.
Say 'Me gusta comer fuera'.
Yes, any meal not prepared at home counts as 'comer fuera'.
The opposite is 'comer en casa'.
Not a single word, but you can use the infinitive as a noun: 'El comer fuera es caro'.
No, it is a verb-adverb collocation. No 'el' or 'la' needed between them.
Yes, 'comer fuera' is very common for business lunches.
Use 'comer en casa de un amigo' instead.
Usually, yes. For just a snack, use 'picar algo fuera'.
Related Phrases
cenar fuera
similarTo have dinner out
comer en casa
contrastTo eat at home
irse de tapas
specialized formTo go for tapas
comida para llevar
similarTakeout food
picar algo
similarTo grab a bite
