cafeteria
word
/ˌkæfəˈtɪɹiə/
ka-fuh-TEER-ee-uh
/kˌæfɪtˈiəɹɪɐ/
ka-fi-TEER-ee-uh
Definition
A cafeteria is a place, usually in a school, hospital, or company, where people get and eat meals, often serving themselves from a counter.
Usage & Nuances
"Cafeteria" is mostly used for informal, self-service eating areas, especially in schools and businesses. Not the same as "café" (a casual coffee shop). In the U.S., "cafeteria" refers specifically to a large, communal space with tray-lines.
Spanish: cafeteríaPortuguese (BR): refeitório - cafeteriaPortuguese (PT): cantina - cafeteriaChinese (Simplified): 自助餐厅Chinese (Traditional): 自助餐廳Hindi: कैफेटेरियाArabic: كافيتيرياBengali: ক্যান্টিন - ক্যাফেটেরিয়াRussian: столоваяJapanese: カフェテリア - 食堂Vietnamese: căng tin - nhà ăn tự phục vụKorean: 구내식당Turkish: yemekhane - kafeteryaUrdu: کینٹین - کیفے ٹیریاIndonesian: kantin - kafetaria
Example Sentences
I'm going to the cafeteria for lunch.
basic
Let’s grab coffee in the cafeteria after the meeting.
natural
The school cafeteria serves hot meals every day.
basic
We met in the hospital cafeteria.
basic
The cafeteria is packed at noon, so come early if you want a good seat.
natural
I forgot my wallet in the cafeteria again!
natural