Meaning
To prepare the evening meal.
Cultural Background
Dinner is a late-night affair, often starting after 9:30 PM. 'Hacer la cena' is a ritual that marks the end of the long workday and the start of social time. The phrase 'hacer de cenar' is very common. Dinner (la cena) is often lighter than the midday 'comida'. Dinner is also late, and if you are 'haciendo la cena' on a Sunday, it's likely an 'asado' (barbecue). The term 'comida' can sometimes be used to mean 'dinner' depending on the region, but 'hacer la cena' remains universally understood.
The 'De' Variation
In Mexico, try saying 'hacer de cenar' to sound more like a local.
Silent H
Never pronounce the 'h' in 'hacer'. It's 'ah-ser', not 'ha-ser'.
Meaning
To prepare the evening meal.
The 'De' Variation
In Mexico, try saying 'hacer de cenar' to sound more like a local.
Silent H
Never pronounce the 'h' in 'hacer'. It's 'ah-ser', not 'ha-ser'.
Negotiation
Use the phrase 'Si tú haces la cena, yo lavo los platos' to settle household chores instantly.
Late Nights
If you're in Spain, don't start 'haciendo la cena' before 8 PM or you'll be eating alone!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hacer' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ la cena a las nueve.
The 'yo' form of 'hacer' is irregular: 'hago'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am cooking dinner'?
Selecciona la opción correcta:
'Hacer la cena' is the standard collocation with the article.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Une las parejas:
These are the various tenses and moods of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: ¿Qué estás haciendo? B: ___________, tengo mucha hambre.
Contextually, if it's evening and they are hungry, they are making dinner.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Evening Routine
Preparation
- • Hacer la cena
- • Cortar verduras
- • Encender el fuego
Service
- • Poner la mesa
- • Servir la comida
Cleanup
- • Quitar la mesa
- • Lavar los platos
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ la cena a las nueve.
The 'yo' form of 'hacer' is irregular: 'hago'.
Selecciona la opción correcta:
'Hacer la cena' is the standard collocation with the article.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the various tenses and moods of the phrase.
A: ¿Qué estás haciendo? B: ___________, tengo mucha hambre.
Contextually, if it's evening and they are hungry, they are making dinner.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'hacer la cena' is much more common in a domestic, everyday context.
Always use 'la' unless you are speaking very telegraphically or in specific regional dialects.
It's still 'hacer la cena' if that sandwich is your evening meal.
Use the preterite: 'Hice la cena'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Merienda' is an afternoon snack; 'cena' is the final meal of the day.
Yes, and they often start 'haciendo la cena' around 9 PM.
No, that's Spanglish. Stick to 'la cena'.
Not at all! It's the standard way to say it in Mexico.
You can use 'hacer el desayuno' or 'preparar el desayuno'.
Related Phrases
poner la mesa
similarTo set the table
lavar los platos
similarTo wash the dishes
hacer la comida
similarTo make lunch/food
hacer el desayuno
similarTo make breakfast
cenar fuera
contrastTo eat dinner out
