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How to Say ‘Thanks for dinner.’ in Mexican Spanish

Gracias por la cena.

GRAH-syahs pohr lah SEH-nah

[GRAH-syahs pohr lah SEH-nah]

🇲🇽 In Mexico: In Mexico, whoever did the inviting often pays on a first date. Thanking them for dinner this way is expected and appreciated.

Phrase Breakdown

Gracias

[GRAH-syahs]

thank you

A polite expression of gratitude, useful in any professional interaction.

Example

Después de la bienvenida, respondo «Gracias».

After the welcome, I reply “Thank you.”

por la cena.

pohr lah SEH-nah

for the dinner.

'Por' means 'for' when thanking someone. 'Cena' is dinner and sounds like 'SEH-na'.

Example

Te pago por la cena.

I'll pay you for the dinner.

Words in this phrase

por

[pohr]

for

Common preposition used to indicate reason, motive, or thanks.

Example

Te escribo "Por" tu apoyo durante la feria de empleo.

I’m writing to you for your support during the job fair.

la

[lah]

the

Feminine singular definite article used before a feminine noun.

Example

La frase «La cultura de trabajo» empieza con «La».

The phrase “The work culture” begins with “La.”

cena

[SEH-nah]

dinner

The evening meal.

Example

La cena empieza a las nueve.

Dinner starts at nine.

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