בתיאבון
bete'avon
The English phrase "bon appetit" is translated into Hebrew as בתיאבון (bete'avon).
בתיאבון is used to wish someone an enjoyable meal. You can use this phrase when you are serving food to others or when you are about to begin eating a meal yourself in a group setting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the preposition ב (in) and the noun תיאבון (appetite), so it literally means "with appetite".
How do you pronounce it?
bete'avon
When do people say it?
When someone says בתיאבון to you, the standard response is to say תודה (thanks).
Did you know?
- Israelis sometimes use בתיאבון sarcastically when they see someone eating something that looks particularly unappealing or strange.
- The root of תיאבון is the same as the verb תאב, which can describe an intense or carnal longing rather than just a hunger for food.
- In many ultra-Orthodox circles, instead of a secular-style greeting like בתיאבון, people may say בתיאבון וברכה (with appetite and blessing) to acknowledge the divine source of the food.
Examples in context
- בתיאבון!be'te'avon!Bon appetit!
- האוכל מוכן, בתיאבון לכולם.ha'ochel mochan, be'te'avon le'kulam.The food is ready, bon appetit to everyone.
Example conversation
Iti and Agur are sitting down to eat lunch together.
- איתי Itayהנה המנה שלך, בתיאבון!hene hamana shelach, be'te'avon!Here is your dish, bon appetit!
- עגור Adiתודה רבה, זה נראה מעולה.toda raba, ze nir'e me'ula.Thank you very much, it looks great.
- איתי Itayגם לך, בתיאבון.gam lach, be'te'avon.To you too, bon appetit.
- עגור Adiתודה, אני ממש רעבה.toda, ani mamash re'eva.Thanks, I am really hungry.
