بالهنا والشفا
bil-hana w esh-shifaeveryday, Lebanon
The Lebanese way to say "bon appétit" is بالهنا والشفا (bil-hana w esh-shifa), roughly "with happiness and health". A short version is صحتين (ṣaḥtēn), "two healths".
Meaning: what you say before or while someone eats (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Lebanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| بالهنا والشفا | bil-hana w esh-shifa | everyday, Lebanon |
| صحتين | ṣaḥtēn | casual |
You say it to people who are about to eat or are eating. The host often says تفضلوا (tfaḍḍalo), "please, help yourselves", while serving.
Which one should you use?
صحتين (ṣaḥtēn) is quicker and more casual, while بالهنا والشفا (bil-hana w esh-shifa) sounds warmer and a little more complete.
Did you know?
- The usual thank-you to a cook is يسلمو إيديكي (yislamo idēki), "bless your hands", said to a woman.
Examples in context
- بالهنا والشفاbil-hana w esh-shifaBon appétit.
Example conversation
Hala serves lunch to her guests Zeina and Pierre in Jbeil.
- Halaتفضلوا، الأكل جاهزtfaḍḍalo, el-akl jāhezPlease, the food is ready.
- Pierreيسلمو إيديكي، شكلو كتير طيبyislamo idēki, shaklo ktīr ṭayyebBless your hands, it looks very good.
- HalaصحتينṣaḥtēnEnjoy it.
