Comida Or Alimento

Question

I know that both comida and alimento mean food, but I want to know when should I use each word in what situations.

Try putting them into the Translate function under "Menu" above. :) - ian-hill, Oct 30, 2015

Good question, good answer. Vote for aileribel as I did for you. - Jubilado, Oct 30, 2015

Answer 1

My God! What a Question!

¡Sirveme la comida! ¡Give me food!

Comida rapida Fast food.

Comida chatarra Junk food.

Las tres comidas del día son desayuno, almuerzo y cena. the 3 meals of the day are breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"Comida" is every preparation with food products and "alimento" is each product usually of plants or animal origin which we use to prepare "comidas" and contains essential nutrients, such as fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals.

Los alimentos pueden clasificarse en grupos de alimentos vegetales, carnes, frutas, cereales, etc. Food may be classified in groups as vegetables, meat, fruits, cereals, etc.

Es exactamente que pensé. La comida de Colombia casi siempre consiste de los alimentos de pollo, arroz y papas, - Jubilado, Oct 31, 2015

Answer 2

I tend to use the word 'alimento' when it comes to food for animals. For example: alimento para perros (dog's food) although I could say comida para perros too.

I'd say that comida is more common. If I were to ask "Is the food ready yet?" I would never say "¿Ya está listo el alimento?" but I would say: "¿Ya está lista la comida?"

Answer 3

Now, I'm saying this because I've seen it translated as such, so please let me know if this is not correct. My understanding is that "alimento" is more like food in general, like "nourishment" or "sustenance," whereas "comida" is more like "this food" or a meal, like what you had for supper.

Correct! :) - chileno, Nov 1, 2015