“Sobremesa” a feminine noun that refers to the time spent lingering at the table after a meal, enjoying conversation.
“Sobremesa” literally means “over the table”, and is one of those words that doesn’t have a direct translation in English. Some of the ways you could translate it include “sitting and talking at the table”, “after-dinner conversation” and “table talk”.
Perhaps the reason it doesn’t exist in English is that in English-speaking countries, sharing conversation after eating a meal simply isn’t as big of a thing.
During the “sobremesa”, there’s no hurry to get up and wash the dishes. It’s a time to savor each other’s company after enjoying a meal together.
Example Sentences
Beginner
Here are some example sentences at beginner (A1/A2) level:
Después de la cena, nos quedamos en la mesa para la sobremesa.
After dinner, we stay at the table for after-dinner conversation.
La sobremesa con mi familia es mi parte favorita del día.
After-dinner conversation with my family is my favorite part of the day.
La sobremesa en este restaurante es muy agradable y relajada.
Sitting and talking at the table in this restaurant is very nice and relaxed.
Intermediate
Here are some example sentences at intermediate (B1/B2) level:
Nos encanta invitar a amigos a casa para disfrutar de una larga sobremesa.
We love inviting friends over to enjoy a long after-dinner talk.
La sobremesa es el momento perfecto para disfrutar de un buen vino y queso.
After dinner is the perfect time to enjoy good wine and cheese.
La sobremesa fue animada, con historias divertidas y anécdotas de viajes.
The after-dinner conversation was lively, with exciting stories and travel anecdotes.
Advanced
Here are some example sentences at advanced (C1/C2) level:
La sobremesa se convirtió en una velada cultural, donde intercambiamos ideas sobre literatura, arte y filosofía.
After dinner turned into a cultural evening, where we exchanged ideas about literature, art, and philosophy.
La sobremesa en aquella casa de campo era como un ritual ancestral, donde los recuerdos de tiempos pasados se entrelazaban con los susurros del viento entre los árboles.
The after-dinner conversation in that countryside house was like an ancestral ritual, where memories of times past intertwined with the whispers of the wind among the trees.
