merendamos

Merendamos is the first-person plural form of the Spanish verb merendar. Depending on the tense, it can be present indicative meaning “we snack” (as in hoy merendamos a las cinco) or pretérito indefinido meaning “we snacked” (as in ayer merendamos en casa). The word is generally used to describe having a light meal or snack between meals.

The verb merendar refers to consuming a light meal, typically in the late afternoon or early evening. The related noun merienda denotes the snack itself or the period during which it is taken, often accompanied by beverages such as coffee, tea, or juice, and light foods like fruit, pastries, or sandwiches. In many Spanish-speaking regions, the practice and timing of la merienda can vary, but it commonly occurs after school or work and before dinnertime.

Etymology traces merender to merenda, a term for a light meal, with roots in the history of Iberian languages. The concept is closely linked to regional daily rhythms and social customs surrounding afternoon breaks and social gatherings.

Usage notes: because merendamos is a conjugated form rather than a noun, its meaning is determined by context and tense. It is primarily used in everyday speech to describe the act of having a snack as part of a routine or past event. While the core idea is shared across many Spanish-speaking areas, the exact foods and timing of la merienda can differ by country and household.

In summary, merendamos denotes the action of snacking together, embedded in a cultural pattern of a mid-afternoon light meal centered on a brief break from the day.