bon appétit
/bɔ.n‿a.pe.ti/
The French phrase bon appétit is used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat. Wiktionary also lists bon ap'.
Meaning: used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bon appétit | /bɔ.n‿a.pe.ti/ | |
| bon ap' | /bɔ.n‿ap/ | informal |
The phrase bon appétit is used to wish someone a good meal.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, bon appétit translates to good appetite.
Which one should you use?
While bon appétit is the standard phrase, bon ap' is an abbreviated form used in casual settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The shortened form bon ap' is a colloquial version used among friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ.n‿a.pe.ti/
Did you know?
- In very formal or aristocratic French circles, some consider saying bon appétit to be slightly vulgar because it draws attention to the physiological process of digestion.
- The adjective bon has traveled from Latin roots through Old French to become a cornerstone of the English word 'bonus', meaning something extra and good.
- If a French person says bon appétit while you are already eating, it is often a way of politely excusing themselves from the table.
Examples in context
- Je vous souhaite un bon repasI wish you a good meal
- Régalez-vous, tout le monde!Enjoy your meal, everyone!
- Bon appétit !Enjoy your meal!
- Merci, bon appétit à vous aussi.Thank you, enjoy your meal too.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are sitting down at a restaurant.
- LéaLe plat arrive, bon appétit, Gabriel !The dish is arriving, enjoy your meal, Gabriel!
- GabrielMerci Léa, bon appétit à toi aussi.Thank you Léa, enjoy your meal too.
- LéaC'est délicieux.It is delicious.
- GabrielOui, c'est excellent.Yes, it is excellent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bon appétit” translations and entries bon appétit, bon ap', CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries appétit, bon, bon ap', bon appétit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
