dobrou chuť
[dobrou̯ xuc]
The Czech way to say bon appétit is dobrou chuť. Wiktionary also lists nechej si chutnat and nech si chutnat.
Meaning: used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA |
|---|---|
| dobrou chuť | [dobrou̯ xuc] (narrow) |
| nechej si chutnat | |
| nech si chutnat |
These phrases are used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase dobrou chuť literally translates to good taste.
Which one should you use?
The phrase nech si chutnat and its variation nechej si chutnat function as ways to say enjoy your meal, with the latter being a more colloquial or dialectal form of the imperative.
How does it change in a sentence?
Nechej si chutnat is a more colloquial or dialectal variation of the imperative nech si chutnat.
Did you know?
- The word chuť originates from the Proto-Slavic word *xǫtь, which originally meant 'will' or 'desire'.
- In Czech culture, it is common to wait until everyone at the table has been served and the host has given the signal before saying dobrou chuť.
- The imperative nech in nech si chutnat is related to the verb for 'letting' or 'leaving' something, effectively telling the other person to 'let' the food taste good to them.
Examples in context
- A vám také, dobrou chuť.And to you too, enjoy your meal.
- Děkuji, dobrou chuť všem.Thank you, enjoy your meal everyone.
Example conversation
Jakub and Tereza are sitting down for lunch.
- JakubTady je tvůj oběd, Terezo.Here is your lunch, Tereza.
- TerezaDěkuji moc, Jakube.Thank you very much, Jakub.
- JakubDobrou chuť!Enjoy your meal!
- TerezaDíky, dobrou chuť i tobě.Thanks, enjoy your meal too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bon appétit” translations and entries dobrou chuť, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chuť, si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
