have a snack
يتناول وجبة خفيفة
Literally: تملك وجبة خفيفة
Use `have a snack` for light eating between meals in any casual or professional setting.
In 15 Seconds
- Eating a small amount of food between main meals.
- Uses the verb 'have' to describe the action of eating.
- Perfect for casual social invitations or personal breaks.
Meaning
This phrase means eating a small amount of food between your main meals like breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is usually something quick and light to keep you going when you feel a little bit hungry.
Key Examples
3 of 6Feeling hungry at work
I'm going to have a snack before the meeting starts.
سأتناول وجبة خفيفة قبل بدء الاجتماع.
Texting a friend
Want to come over and have a snack?
هل تود المجيء وتناول وجبة خفيفة؟
Talking to a child
You can have a snack after you finish your homework.
يمكنك تناول وجبة خفيفة بعد إنهاء واجباتك المدرسية.
Cultural Background
Snacking became a major cultural phenomenon in the mid-20th century with the rise of packaged convenience foods. In the US and UK, 'snack time' is a scheduled part of the day for children in school, fostering a lifelong habit of small mid-day treats. Interestingly, the word 'snack' originally meant a 'snap' or a quick bite from a dog in the 1400s!
The 'Grab' Alternative
If you are in a rush, say `grab a snack`. It sounds more active and energetic than `have`.
Tea and Biscuits
In the UK, having a snack often implies a 'cuppa' (tea) and a biscuit. It's a social ritual!
In 15 Seconds
- Eating a small amount of food between main meals.
- Uses the verb 'have' to describe the action of eating.
- Perfect for casual social invitations or personal breaks.
What It Means
Have a snack is one of the most common ways to talk about eating light. It isn't about a big steak dinner or a giant bowl of pasta. It’s about that small granola bar, an apple, or a handful of nuts. You do this when your stomach growls but dinner is still two hours away. It is a quick energy boost to keep you happy and focused.
How To Use It
You use the verb have to describe the action. You can say I'm going to have a snack or ask someone Do you want to have a snack?. It is very flexible. You can use it as a suggestion or a statement of fact. Sometimes people use grab instead of have if they are in a hurry. For example, Let's grab a snack before the movie starts.
When To Use It
Use this phrase anytime between your main meals. It works perfectly at the office during a 3:00 PM slump. Use it at home when the kids get back from school. It’s great for social plans that aren't full meals. If you are meeting a friend but aren't hungry enough for lunch, say this. It keeps things low-pressure and casual.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you are sitting down for a three-course Thanksgiving dinner. That is a feast, not a snack. Avoid using it in very formal business banquets. In those cases, use refreshments or hors d'oeuvres. Also, if you are eating because you are bored rather than hungry, your doctor might call it grazing. But let's be honest, we all do it!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, snacking is a huge part of daily life. In the UK, a snack might be a biscuit with tea. In the US, it could be chips or pretzels. There is even a concept called snack culture where people prefer small bites over big meals. It represents a fast-paced, busy lifestyle where we eat on the go. It’s a very social, relaxed activity.
Common Variations
You will often hear grab a bite or nosh on something. If you are very hungry, you might have a light meal. In the UK, you might hear someone say they are having a treat or a bit of something. If you are eating something very small, you might say you are having a nibble. All of these describe the wonderful world of between-meal eating.
Usage Notes
The phrase is perfectly neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that 'snack' is a noun here, so it always needs the 'a' before it.
The 'Grab' Alternative
If you are in a rush, say `grab a snack`. It sounds more active and energetic than `have`.
Tea and Biscuits
In the UK, having a snack often implies a 'cuppa' (tea) and a biscuit. It's a social ritual!
Don't over-complicate it
You don't need to say 'I am eating a snack'. 'I am having a snack' sounds much more natural to native speakers.
Examples
6I'm going to have a snack before the meeting starts.
سأتناول وجبة خفيفة قبل بدء الاجتماع.
Shows a quick action to prepare for a task.
Want to come over and have a snack?
هل تود المجيء وتناول وجبة خفيفة؟
A very low-pressure way to invite someone over.
You can have a snack after you finish your homework.
يمكنك تناول وجبة خفيفة بعد إنهاء واجباتك المدرسية.
Used as a small reward or routine part of the day.
Guests are invited to have a snack in the lobby.
الضيوف مدعوون لتناول وجبة خفيفة في الردهة.
Even in formal settings, the phrase remains clear and polite.
I said I'd have a snack, but I accidentally ate the whole cake.
قلت إنني سأتناول وجبة خفيفة، لكني أكلت الكعكة بأكملها بالخطأ.
Plays on the idea that a snack should be small.
You look tired; you should sit down and have a snack.
تبدو متعباً؛ يجب أن تجلس وتتناول وجبة خفيفة.
Used to show care and concern for someone's well-being.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
I'm a bit hungry, so I think I'll ___ a snack.
In English, we 'have' or 'eat' a snack. 'Have' is the most common collocation.
Identify the best context for this phrase.
If you are eating a huge 5-course dinner, you are NOT ___.
A snack is by definition small; a large dinner is the opposite of a snack.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Have a snack'
Grab a nosh
Let's nosh!
Grab a bite
Wanna grab a bite?
Have a snack
I'll have a snack.
Consume refreshments
Refreshments will be served.
Where to use 'Have a snack'
Office Break
Quick energy during work.
After School
Kids eating before dinner.
Movie Night
Popcorn while watching.
Late Night
Midnight fridge raid.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can! However, have a snack is much more common in daily conversation.
No, a snack is always small. If it fills you up completely, it's a meal.
Yes, it is neutral. You can say, 'Let's take ten minutes to have a snack.'
A snack is for hunger; a treat is usually something sweet or special like chocolate.
Usually no. We use it for solid food. For drinks, we say have a drink or have a coffee.
You must use the article a. Always say have a snack.
It's a modern term for content or food that is easy to consume quickly, like a short video.
It depends on the food! But the phrase itself is neutral regarding health.
Yes, just change have to had. For example: 'I had a snack an hour ago.'
This is a very popular phrase for eating something late at night when you should be sleeping!
Related Phrases
Grab a bite
To get something to eat quickly, often a small meal.
Nosh on
An informal way to say eating or snacking on something.
Tide me over
Food that keeps you from being hungry until the next meal.
Light bite
A very small, often healthy, portion of food.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free