When it comes to expressing good wishes before a meal, “Bon appétit” is a universally recognized phrase. If you’re interested in learning how to say “Bon appétit” in Persian, this comprehensive guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this sentiment. While there may be regional variations in Persian, we will focus on the commonly used phrases and provide tips and examples to help you understand and use them correctly.
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1. Formal Ways to Say Bon Appétit in Persian:
Formal expressions are generally used when you want to convey politeness and respect. Here are a few ways to say “Bon appétit” formally in Persian:
- “بفرمایید!” (Be’far’māyid!)
This phrase can be translated as “Enjoy your meal!” and is a polite way to wish someone a good appetite. It can be used in various formal settings, including restaurants, formal dinners, or when hosting guests.
Example: When hosting a formal dinner, you can say, “سلام دوستان، خوش آمدید. بفرمایید!” (Salām doostān, khosh āmadi(d). Be’far’māyid!). This translates to “Hello friends, welcome. Enjoy your meal!”
“نوش جان!” (Noosh jān!)
This phrase is an elegant way to say “Bon appétit” in Persian. It literally means “Have a good taste!” and conveys your wishes for a delightful culinary experience.
Example: When attending a formal dinner party, you could say, “ممنونم بابت آشپزی عالی. نوش جان!” (Mamnunam bābat āshpazi-e āli. Noosh jān!). This translates to “Thank you for the excellent cooking. Bon appétit!”
2. Informal Ways to Say Bon Appétit in Persian:
Informal expressions are commonly used among friends, family, and close acquaintances. They are more casual but still convey good wishes. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “Bon appétit” in Persian:
- “بِخوَشی بخور!” (Bekhūshi bokhor!)
This phrase is an informal way to express “Enjoy your meal!” among friends and family. It implies a warm and casual tone, making it suitable for informal gatherings or when dining with close acquaintances.
Example: When having a meal with your close friends, you might say, “چیزایی که آماده کردی خیلی خوب به نظر میاد. بِخوَشی بخور!” (Chīzāyi ke āmāde kardi khili khūb be nazaramiyād. Bekhūshi bokhor!). This translates to “The food you prepared looks really good. Enjoy your meal!”
“بِهروقت و خوشمزه بخور!” (Behrooqat o khoshmazeh bokhor!)
This phrase conveys an informal way of saying “Bon appétit” while emphasizing the timeliness and deliciousness of the meal. Use it among close friends or family members when enjoying a meal together.
Example: When sitting down for a casual meal with your family, you could say, “آبجی جون، مرسی که غذا رو بهروقت و خوشمزه پختی. بهروقت و خوشمزه بخور!” (Ābjī jun, merci ke ghazā ro behrooqat o khoshmazeh pakti. Behrooqat o khoshmazeh bokhor!). This translates to “Thank you, dear sister, for cooking the meal on time and deliciously. Enjoy it while it’s hot and delicious!”
In Persian culture, expressing good wishes before a meal is a meaningful gesture that adds warmth and inclusiveness to the dining experience. Whether you’re in a formal setting or among friends and family, using these phrases will help you create a pleasant atmosphere and show your appreciation for the food being served.
Remember to consider the context and relationship with the people you’re dining with when choosing the appropriate phrase to wish them “Bon appétit” in Persian. Now that you’re familiar with these formal and informal expressions, you can confidently express your good wishes and enjoy your meals in Persian-speaking settings!