cantina
word
Definition
A cantina is a bar, café, or small restaurant, often in Spanish-speaking countries; in schools or workplaces, it can mean a cafeteria.
Usage & Nuances
Popular in American English through movies set in Mexico or the Southwest ("Star Wars cantina"). In the US/UK, 'cafeteria' or 'canteen' is more common for a workplace eatery. In Spanish and Portuguese, refers both to a bar and to a school or workplace cafeteria. 'Cantina' often has an informal tone.
Example Sentences
We had lunch together in the cantina.
basic
There is a small cantina near the train station.
basic
She works in the school cantina.
basic
Let's grab a coffee at the cantina before the meeting.
natural
The movie had a famous fight scene in a noisy cantina.
natural
Students often hang out at the cantina after classes.
natural